Customs Boss To Leverage Digital Platforms For Efficient Trade Facilitation
THE new Controller of the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has pledged to leverage digital platforms and innovations to enhance trade facilitation at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
He made the commitment on Monday during a formal handing-over ceremony from the outgoing Controller, Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) Babatunde Olomu.
Digital Transformation For Trade Efficiency
Oshoba said he would rely on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and other digital tools to streamline operations, ensure transparency, and boost efficiency.
He also noted that programmes such as the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and Advanced Ruling (AR) would serve as key drivers of trade facilitation under his leadership.
“I live with a desire to improve on any environment I find myself. My work period here won’t be an exception,” Oshoba said.
He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his confidence and to his predecessor, ACG Olomu, for laying a strong operational foundation.
Commitment To Excellence And Collaboration
The new Controller emphasised inclusiveness and teamwork, urging officers and port stakeholders to collaborate to sustain the command’s success story.
“As Nigeria now chairs the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, the global customs community is watching us closely. We must uphold compliance and adherence to legal frameworks while ensuring seamless trade facilitation,” he said.
Oshoba pledged to maintain Apapa’s reputation as a leading command in revenue generation and cargo clearance efficiency.
Outgoing Controller Highlights Milestones
In his farewell remarks, ACG Olomu thanked officers and stakeholders for their support, which he said enabled remarkable achievements during his tenure.
He recalled that the Apapa Command generated ₦2.3 trillion in 2024, collected ₦214 billion in August 2025 alone, and was honoured as Best Command in Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation last year.
Olomu further disclosed that the command has already collected ₦1.834 trillion so far in 2025, against a ₦3 trillion annual target, expressing confidence that Oshoba’s leadership would surpass expectations.
