By Modinat Abiodun, Lagos
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has ushered in a new era at its Apapa Command as Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba officially assumed office, succeeding Assistant Comptroller-General (Dr.) Babatunde Olomu, fsi. The handover ceremony, attended by top customs officials, terminal operators, and key stakeholders, marked a pivotal moment for one of Nigeria’s most strategic trade hubs.
In his inaugural address, Compt. Emmanuel Oshoba said, “Am gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the opportunity to lead Apapa Command. This command is the heartbeat of customs operations in Nigeria. I am honored to serve and determined to build on the legacy of excellence. ”
Compt. Oshoba outlined his leadership philosophy—“Three LS: Look, Listen, Learn”—emphasizing collaboration, modernization, and continuity.
The CAC pledged, “We shall deepen reforms through initiatives like; The Unified Customs Management System; Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program; Time Release Study (TRS); and Advanced Ruling (AR) framework.”
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s growing influence in global customs, noting the country’s current chairmanship of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council. “Let us uphold compliance and transparency as we move forward,” he urged.
In his remarks, founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, thanked Olomu for make sure industrial peace during his tenure.
His words: “We want to thank the outgoing CAC for the peace we enjoyed and we pledge our support for the new CAC, Comptroller Oshoba. NAGAFF will always support you to do better than your predecessor.”
Publisher of Shipping Position Daily, Sesan Onileimo, Lauded Olomu for his bridge-building approach. “You’ve built bridges and helped the Service. You’ve surpassed expectations, and the industry will not forget your impact,” he remarked.
In his farewell speech, ACG Olomu reflected on his 15-month tenure, which saw Apapa Command reach unprecedented heights; ₦2 trillion in revenue—a first in NCS history; Record daily collections: ₦17.9B (June 2024), ₦18.9B (March 2025); ₦214.9B in August 2025 via the B’Odogwu Unified Customs Management System; AfCFTA milestones, including Nigeria’s first Guided Trade shipment from Apapa.
ACG Olomu also led a robust anti-smuggling campaign, with 75 container seizures involving fake drugs, codeine, cannabis, and contraband goods. His open-door policy and stakeholder engagement earned widespread respect and recognition, including the CGC Special Award for Excellence.
He thanked sister agencies—DSS, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, Immigration, Police—for their unwavering support, and encouraged continued synergy under Osoba’s leadership.
