By Femi Anamelechi
In a renewed proactive and strategic move aimed at strengthening Inter-Agency collaboration and operational effectiveness, the controller of Apapa Area command Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has reaffirmed Nigeria Custom Service unwavering commitment to strengthen partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) as a strategic effort geared towards creating mutually beneficial relationships with other related Agencies, enhance transparency, compliance, and national development.He pointed out this on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, during a courtesy visit to the ICPC Lagos Office, where he discussions extensively building a strategic win- win relationship aimed at deepening collaboration between both agencies in the areas of intelligence sharing, compliance enforcement and public enlightenment.The Comptroller disclosed that sustaining inter- Agency relationship is key to the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service; revenue generation, trade facilitation, public safety, and national security, this he said underscores the visionary leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.The CAC reiterated the importance of synergy and intelligence in achieving national objectives, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation remains a key strategy towards sustainable economic and security stability “Nigeria is a national project. We are all collaborators to ensure we keep the flag flying.
The best way to do that is through collaboration and synergy”, Oshoba said. “I come from a background of intelligence, and we know intelligence is all about getting your sources. Without sources or informants, you can’t achieve much.”Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba also stated the importance of compliance in trade facilitation, urging stakeholders to adhere strictly to Customs regulations and accurate declarations to enhance operational effectiveness “The trade we do, the business we facilitate, compliance is key. We find that the most disturbing thing for us is non-compliance. There’s no way our systems can function effectively without it. And It starts with the declarations our people make”, he added.Mr.Alexander Chukwurah ICPC Lagos Commissioner in his remarks expressed his appreciation at the Customs team visit and highlighted the long-standing relationship between both organisations. He noted that the collaboration between ICPC and the NCS has always been mutually beneficial, built on shared values of accountability and integrity.“The Nigeria Customs over the years has maintained a robust relationship with the ICPC. At some point we had some Customs officers in my own department and ICPC officers with the Service. We are here to support you and expect maximum cooperation. If you’re ever in doubt about any anti-corruption issue, call us”, . Thee high point of the visit was the expression of a renewed commitment by both agencies to strengthen their partnership through joint sensitization programmes, seminars, and operational synergy aimed at promoting transparency, enhancing revenue generation and combating corruption across Nigeria’s trade corridors.
