The Apapa Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has stepped up operational collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to enhance security at the nation’s busiest port, aligning its efforts with the Service’s strategic policy pillars of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.
During a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Customs Area Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba highlighted his commitment to consolidating previous gains and strengthening the relationship between Apapa Command and the Navy.
“While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security,” Oshoba said. He added that innovation, including strengthened inter-agency cooperation, is essential for improved results. He commended the Navy for maintaining secure waters, noting that safe maritime conditions are critical to seamless cargo movement at the Apapa port corridor.
Responding, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, FOC, praised the longstanding partnership and stressed that port security depends on inter agency coordination. He also recognized the Customs Service under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for effectively blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets, linking improved revenue collection to enhanced infrastructure and social safety networks.
According to a statement by Isah Sulaiman, Chief Superintendent and Public Relations Officer of the Apapa Command, the FOC assured continued cooperation to safeguard the maritime domain and support national economic growth.
The intensified partnership underscores a shared commitment to safer, more efficient port operations and highlights the critical role of coordinated efforts in protecting Nigeria’s economic and security interests. The collaboration between the Customs Service and the Nigerian Navy is expected to further strengthen trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall maritime security.
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