By Femi Anamelechi
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command now has a new controller as Comptroller Murtala Muazu assumed office as the Customs Area Controller at Apapa Area Command, with a pledge to consolidate on revenue, enforcement and trade facilitation achievements of his predecessor. Muazu took over on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, following the retirement of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba after 35 years of Service. He described Apapa as a strategic command whose decisions impact trade and government revenue.“The gains recorded in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation are worthy of recognition. We shall consolidate on these achievements and build upon the foundation already laid,” Muazu said. The new controller said his administration would be guided by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi’s policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, with a focus on improved supervision and technical training for officers on classification, valuation and fiscal policies.
Muazu also warned against unnecessary delays in cargo clearance, stressing that legitimate trade must not be obstructed. “Where all requirements have been met, legitimate cargo must be allowed to move without avoidable obstructions.”He promised to deepen engagement with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators and partner government agencies. The command, he added, would use the Service’s modernisation tools to improve the speed and transparency of its operations.In his farewell address, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (Rtd.) disclossed that the command generated ₦2.93 trillion in 2025, a 24.32 percent increase over 2024, with monthly collection rising from ₦304 billion in October 2025 to a record of ₦323 billion in July 2026. “These figures represent more than revenue statistics. They reflect the commitment of our officers and men and the cooperation of our stakeholders,” he said.He also highlighted enforcement successes, including the interception of 53 containers of illicit drugs and prohibited goods worth over ₦12.6 billion in 2025 and recent seizures valued at approximately ₦43.55 billion, attributing the success to intelligence-led operations and cooperation with sister agencies.
