The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General, Mohammed Babandede, has emphasised that effective enforcement remains fundamental to creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to thrive at the Apapa port.

Babandede stated this during a familiarisation visit to the Apapa command, while commending officers and men of the service for their exceptional performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation throughout 2025.

The zonal coordinator also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling efforts, especially the significant seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol.

He described these interceptions as critical contributions to national security, public health and societal safety.
Babandede boosted the morale of personnel who have consistently surpassed expectations, particularly in revenue collection, where the Command exceeded its yearly target.

The Zonal Coordinator noted that the core responsibilities of the Service extend beyond revenue generation to include national security, public safety and trade facilitation.
He further commended the Command for its effective inter-agency collaboration and urged officers to deepen cooperation with sister agencies, particularly in the deployment and promotion of trade facilitation tools that have positioned the Service at an upper-class operational rating.

Babandede disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious for effective service delivery.

In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining its performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation, inter-agency cooperation and ethical conduct in strict adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
He expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit.