The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged newly promoted Deputy and Assistant Comptrollers to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and pursue continuous learning as they take on greater leadership roles within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
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Speaking at the opening of a special training session held on Wednesday for the newly elevated officers, Comptroller Oshoba congratulated the participants on their promotions, describing them as both “a reward for hard work and a renewed call to serve with excellence.”
He noted that the new ranks come with higher expectations from both the Service and the nation, urging the officers to align their conduct and performance with the modernization agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
“These elevations come with benefits, challenges, and responsibilities,” Oshoba said. “The NCS management expects greater commitment, creativity, and a firm dedication to the CGC’s reform and modernization drive.”
Highlighting the Service’s ongoing transformation, the Apapa CAC explained that Customs operations are increasingly driven by technology and data, with initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Time Release Study, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the One Stop Shop mechanism now shaping trade facilitation in Nigeria.
He encouraged the newly promoted officers to master these tools and apply them effectively to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and risk management.
“There are still cases of non-compliance—some due to ignorance, others deliberate,” he cautioned. “This is why officers must stay alert and use technology smartly for risk detection and control.”
Comptroller Oshoba further urged participants to make the most of the training by exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and strengthening collaboration among commands.
“As new leaders, some of you will handle sensitive responsibilities, including password custodianship and supervision of junior officers,” he noted. “Always uphold the Service’s core values of justice, honesty, and professionalism.”
He reaffirmed that capacity building remains a central focus of the NCS leadership, with continuous training and retraining forming a key part of the Service’s long-term strategy for institutional growth and excellence.
“To the glory of God and for the benefit of all participants and facilitators, I hereby declare this course open,” he concluded.
The training, held at the Apapa Area Command Headquarters, is designed to equip the newly promoted officers with advanced leadership and technical skills essential for driving Customs modernization and effective trade facilitation.
SC JT AYAGBALO
Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Comman
