…As Comptroller Oshoba credits reforms, forex stability
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated a record N323 billion in revenue in July 2026, marking the highest monthly collection ever recorded by the command.
The latest performance surpassed the N304 billion collected in October 2025, which was previously one of the command’s highest monthly revenue records under the leadership of Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.
Oshoba disclosed the July revenue figure during the command’s monthly meeting with Deputy Comptrollers of Terminals and Unit Heads held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
He attributed the record performance to a combination of government policy support, operational reforms, improved compliance and intelligence-driven enforcement.
The Customs Area Controller commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for their efforts to modernise the Service and improve its operations.
According to Oshoba, innovations introduced under the modernisation programme have streamlined customs activities and provided clearer operational direction.
He specifically highlighted improvements in the B’Odogwu system, which he said had overcome earlier challenges and was now contributing positively to the command’s performance.
He also identified the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative as another factor supporting the command’s performance, saying it had reduced cargo delivery time and created a more predictable environment for legitimate importers.
Oshoba further cited the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework, which currently has more than 200 beneficiaries, as having a positive impact on the command’s revenue profile.
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Enforcement boosts revenue
The Area Controller said intelligence-led enforcement operations had also strengthened compliance and protected government revenue.
He said customs officers had intensified interventions against false declarations while ensuring that importers complied with approved valuation principles.
Oshoba also linked the improved business environment to relative stability in the foreign exchange market, saying the development had enabled businesses to plan more effectively and conduct international trade with greater confidence.
He, however, challenged officers to look beyond routine revenue collection and identify other ways of contributing to the command’s performance.
“In your Area of Responsibility, you must ask yourself, apart from the normal revenue generated by your Unit, what is your own contribution in terms of intervention? What have I added?” he asked.
The CAC also directed officers to prioritise trade facilitation and the ease of doing business, stressing that disputes involving consignments requiring further scrutiny should be resolved promptly.
He instructed personnel to ensure proper documentation and compliance with the Post Clearance Audit process.
Oshoba urges professionalism
On stakeholder relations, Oshoba urged officers to build trust through professionalism, respect and collaboration.
“When you interact with stakeholders, let them leave your office with hope rather than despair,” he said.
He also called for greater transparency, discipline, continuous training and adaptation to evolving digital customs processes.
The CAC urged senior officers to strengthen supervision while promoting teamwork, empathy and concern for the welfare of their subordinates.
He further directed personnel to maintain heightened security awareness, comply with approved procedures and sustain the momentum that produced the record revenue performance.
Oshoba commended officers of the command and compliant stakeholders for their contribution to the achievement, describing the N323 billion collection as a stepping stone towards further revenue breakthroughs before the end of 2026.
