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The Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, has called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and deliberate knowledge transfer among officers to enhance operational efficiency, trade facilitation and service delivery at the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Babandede made the call on Thursday, during a familiarisation visit to the Command, where he charged officers and men to deepen cooperation with sister agencies and strengthen internal mentorship structures in order to consolidate the Service’s gains in revenue generation, enforcement and stakeholder engagement.
According to him, effective collaboration across government agencies remains critical to creating a secure environment for legitimate trade to thrive, while knowledge sharing between senior and junior officers is essential for sustaining institutional capacity, professionalism and continuity within the Service.
The Zonal Coordinator praised officers for surpassing their annual revenue target in 2025, describing the achievement as a reflection of dedication, discipline and effective leadership.
He also lauded the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling drive, particularly the seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol, noting that such interceptions contribute significantly to national security, public health and societal safety.
Babandede further stressed the importance of integrity, reputational management and officers’ welfare, urging personnel to uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
He disclosed that drug tests would be conducted across Commands and advised officers to remain health-conscious for effective service delivery.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator for the visit, describing it as timely and motivating.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining high performance in revenue generation, enforcement, trade facilitation and inter-agency cooperation in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
