Trade vs. Security: How Apapa Customs Struck the Right Balanc
In Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has become a beacon of balance, harmonizing the twin imperatives of trade facilitation and national security.
Under the leadership of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the command has consistently delivered results that underscore competence, vigilance, and innovation, reports Timothy Okorocha.
Revenue and Trade Facilitation
As the flagship port command, Apapa is the nerve center of Nigeria’s import-export economy. Oshoba’s administration has prioritized revenue generation while ensuring that legitimate trade flows unhindered. In 2025, the command generated ₦2.93 trillion, a 24.32% increase over 2024, with daily collections peaking at ₦20.1 billion; being the highest ever recorded by any Customs Command. This remarkable performance was driven by the deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS/B’Odogwu), expanded Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, and the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, all of which accelerated cargo clearance and boosted transparency.
Enforcement and Compliance
Yet, trade facilitation has not diluted enforcement. Apapa Customs has maintained a robust compliance framework, intercepting contraband and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
In March 2026, the command recorded a staggering ₦6.38 billion contraband bust, in which, officers intercepted 13 containers of expired pharmaceuticals, codeine syrup, cannabis sativa, and restricted security gear. Among the seizures were 800 cartons of codeine concealed in toilet cisterns and 347.57 kg of cannabis hidden in a Toyota Sienna.
Also in March 2026, there was a ₦3.398 billion codeine seizure consisting of two containers carrying 339,800 bottles of codeine syrup disguised among household utensils, which was intercepted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). These operations highlight Oshoba’s zero-tolerance enforcement strategy, proving that Apapa Port is no longer a safe haven for smugglers.
Strategic Engagements and Stakeholder Confidence
Central to Oshoba’s success is his commitment to strategic engagement. Regular consultations with freight forwarders, shipping companies, and port stakeholders have fostered trust and transparency. The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) praised Customs for reducing harassment and disputes, describing the current era as “new and promising” for freight forwarding.
At the End-of-Year Celebration (December 2025), stakeholders including terminal operators and traditional rulers commended Oshoba’s leadership for transparency and collaboration. Princess Chi Eze, Vice-President of NAGAFF, lauded the unity fostered between Customs and agents. These testimonials underscore stakeholder confidence in Oshoba’s administration, reinforcing the legitimacy of Customs modernization efforts.
Translating the CGC’s Agenda
It is instructive that the Command has continued to lead the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi PhD, MFR vision of blending modernization with integrity. It is also self-evident how Oshoba has translated this agenda into tangible outcomes:
-Digital transformation of clearance systems.
-Capacity building for officers to tackle evolving challenges.
-Public accountability through monthly scorecards and editorial reviews.
Strategic Partnerships with Sister Agencies
Under Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Apapa Customs reinforced strategic partnerships with sister agencies like the Nigerian Navy while fostering a culture of team spirit across its ranks. These efforts have enhanced maritime security, boosted revenue performance, and reinforced operational integrity at Nigeria’s busiest port.
In particular, Oshoba reaffirmed collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing that safe waters are essential for port efficiency. Retroactively, the Navy provides maritime security, ensuring vessels can berth safely and cargo can move seamlessly.
Joint Enforcement Operations
Apapa Customs worked closely with agencies like NDLEA, NAFDAC, and the Navy to intercept drugs, arms, and expired goods. Intelligence-led operations and scanner simulations at APM Terminals were conducted in partnership with these agencies.
Policy Alignment
Oshoba’s approach reflects the Comptroller-General’s three pillars, namely: Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. Thus, inter-agency cooperation is framed as a modern border management necessity.
Team Spirit Cascading Down the Ranks
Officer motivation: Oshoba honoured outstanding officers and stakeholders for professionalism and compliance, reinforcing morale and integrity.
Culture of compliance: He emphasized compliance over confrontation, urging importers and agents to make honest declarations. This ethos trickled down to officers, who were trained to prioritize transparency and predictability.
Operational reforms: Initiatives like the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, One-Stop Shop (OSS), and Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) empowered officers with tools to deliver faster, more efficient service.
Impact of Partnerships and Team Spirit
As a natural fallout of these team work culture, the Command revenue generation hit ₦2.635 trillion, between Jan–Nov 2025, resulting a 19.9% increase over 2024.
In the area of security enforcement, seizures of drugs, arms, and expired goods through joint operations stood out poignantly as one of Oshoba’s leadership achievements.
This is even as trade facilitation, faster clearance via AEO Programme and OSS, led unswervingly to reducing duplication and delays. Next is the that boost officers morale has enjoyed, and are still enjoying. Closely linked to this were recognition ceremonies and reforms, believed to have boosted professionalism and integrity.
Last but not the least is improved maritime safety, where Navy partnership ensured secure waters, enabling smooth cargo evacuation.
Why This Matters
The blend of inter-agency collaboration and internal team spirit under Oshoba’s leadership has created a resilient operational model at Apapa. It balances trade facilitation with national security, while instilling a culture of accountability and pride among officers.
Manifest Balance Recorded
The story of Apapa Customs under Oshoba is one of deliberate equilibrium. Trade facilitation fuels economic growth, while enforcement ensures that prosperity is not undermined by illicit activities. By striking this balance, Apapa Area Command has reinforced its status as the flagship of the NCS, proving that Nigeria can simultaneously pursue prosperity and security.
