Apapa Customs, navy boost collaboration to strengthen port security

LAGOS — The Apapa Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified 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.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Customs Area Comptroller, Controller Emmanuel Oshoba, highlighted his commitment to consolidating previous gains and improving the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Navy.

Oshoba emphasized the importance of collaboration in modern border management, stating, “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.”

He added that innovation, including strengthened inter-agency cooperation, is key to achieving better results. Oshoba also commended the Navy for maintaining secure waters, noting, “No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure and solicit sustained support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.”

Responding, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, FOC, praised the longstanding partnership, noting that “Port security is about inter-agency coordination. Without security, there is no development.” He also commended the Customs Service under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets, linking improved revenue 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 secure the maritime domain and support national economic growth.

The partnership underscores a commitment to safer, more efficient port operations and the critical role of coordinated efforts in protecting Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

Culled from vanguard