The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has strengthened its collaboration with the Western Naval Command in line with the three policy priorities of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation championed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

This was disclosed in a recent statement by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, during a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Abubakar Mustapha.

Speaking during the visit, Oshoba explained that since assuming office, he has been focused on building upon the achievements already recorded while further strengthening the working relationship between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy in the area.

He stressed that effective border management in today’s environment requires strong cooperation among relevant agencies. While the Customs Service is widely recognized for facilitating trade and generating revenue, he noted that it also plays a vital role in national security.

According to him, fulfilling this responsibility requires close collaboration with security agencies, particularly the military.

“Innovation means adopting new approaches to achieve better results, and improving inter-agency cooperation is a key part of that strategy,” he said.

Oshoba also commended the Navy for its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.

“No vessel can enter the country without safe waters. We appreciate your efforts in maintaining security across our maritime domain,” he said, while also seeking continued support along the Apapa Port corridor to ensure smooth cargo movement.

In his remarks, Mustapha highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two agencies, emphasizing that port security relies heavily on effective inter-agency coordination.

He noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without adequate security and praised the Customs Service under the leadership of Adeniyi for its performance.

“The Customs Service has made remarkable progress in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Keep up the good work; increased revenue will translate into improved infrastructure and stronger social safety systems for the country,” he said.

Mustapha further assured the Apapa Command of the Navy’s commitment to enhanced cooperation in safeguarding the maritime domain and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.