Apapa Customs: Comptroller Mu’azu Takes Over, Pledges Strict Revenue Integrity And Seamless Trade

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu has officially assumed duty as the 33rd Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), succeeding Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba (Rtd) with a firm pledge to consolidate institutional discipline, boost revenue generation, and eliminate unnecessary trade barriers.

The assumption-of-office and farewell ceremony, held at the command’s auditorium in Lagos, brought together heads of security and regulatory agencies, terminal operators, shipping executives, and maritime stakeholders to witness the transition.

In his inaugural address, Comptroller Mu’azu expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the confidence reposed in him, noting that he accepts the responsibility with a deep sense of duty to safeguard the economic interests of the nation.

Guided by the strategic pillars of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation, Mu’azu emphasized that every government revenue due must be accurately assessed and collected while ensuring that officers maintain high standards of accountability and professional scrutiny.

Addressing the port community, the new Customs Area Controller declared a zero-tolerance policy for avoidable bottlenecks in cargo clearance, warning that non-tariff barriers and unnecessary human delays will no longer be tolerated for compliant traders. He assured stakeholders that legitimate cargo meeting all regulatory requirements will move swiftly without obstruction, even as he builds upon the technological modernization initiatives championed by his predecessor, such as the B’Odogwu platform, Advance Ruling, and non-intrusive inspection systems.

Comptroller Mu’azu paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Comptroller Oshoba, acknowledging the remarkable milestones achieved during Oshoba’s tenure, including a historic monthly revenue collection of ₦323 billion in July 2026 and a peak single-day collection of ₦28.102 billion in August.

While recognizing that matching and surpassing these soaring benchmarks will be a Herculean task, Mu’azu expressed confidence that a unified front among officers and maritime partners will sustain Apapa’s status as a premier model of efficient revenue administration.

In his final remarks, the outgoing Comptroller Oshoba thanked the command’s personnel and stakeholders for their unwavering support, urging them to extend the exact same cooperation to the new leadership as they collectively advance the national interest.