Apapa Customs Lecture Staff College Students on Modernisation Trade Facilitation
By Femi Anamelechi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command on Monday, 17 November 2025, held a sensitization lecture for students of Junior Course 23 from the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, on an operational study tour on the impact of Customs modernisation on trade facilitation. Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba addressing the students, disclosed that the visit was an important engagement that aligns with the Service’s ongoing reform agenda. Comptroller Oshoba pointed out that underscored the theme of the tour—“Evaluating the Impact of Customs Modernisation on Trade Facilitation”, he further said the tour comes at a time when the NCS is rolling out extensive modernisation programmes to strengthen operational efficiency.He stated that Apapa as the premium port is one of the busiest and most strategic ports in Nigeria. “Our port is a critical component of the nation’s economy, and we recognise the importance of ensuring that our operations are efficient, effective, and compliant with international standards.”
The CAC highlighted some of the technology – driven innovations in Apapa Area Command, B’Odogwu system, Time Release Study, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Electronic Cargo Tracking, the One Stop Shop initiative, and the Advanced Ruling System (ARS).According to him these innovations have contributed to faster cargo clearance, improved security, and enhanced stakeholder satisfaction.He emphasised that the tour was important as it will enhance and shape students understanding of modern customs operations, noting that they represent the next generation of leaders within the Service.Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba advised the students to take full advantage of the tour and the lecture sessions to gain firsthand knowledge into how modernisation is transforming trade processes.He pointed out that the knowledge shared during the exercise would help in developing the students professional capacity and effectively impact their contributions towards NCS drive to effective modern, technology-driven operations.
