The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has deepened its collaboration with the Western Naval Command in line with the three policy thrusts of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.
In a recent statement, the Customs Area Controller in charge of the Command, Mr Emmanuel Oshoba, announced this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha.
Speaking during the visit, the CAC stated that on assumption of duty, he resolved to consolidate the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between the Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis.
He noted that modern border management requires agencies to work in tandem, adding that while the Customs Service is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, “we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security.
Innovation is doing things differently to achieve better results, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation is part of that approach.”
Oshoba appreciated the navy for securing Nigeria’s waters. “No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure,” he noted while soliciting sustained support along the Apapa Port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.
Earlier, Mustapha acknowledged the longstanding partnership between the two agencies, emphasising that port security is about inter-agency coordination, adding that without security, there is no development. He commended the service under CGC Adewale Adeniyi for its performance.
“The Customs Service has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue what you are doing; with more revenue, there will be more infrastructure and a social safety network for the country,” he said.
He assured the Command of improved and seamless cooperation in securing the maritime domain and supporting national economic growth.
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