Apapa Customs Boss Oshoba Champions Transparency, Says Media Scrutiny Drives Better Performance
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba has reiterated his commitment to transparency and accountability in Customs operations, stressing that media scrutiny is vital to improving performance and building public trust.
Comptroller Oshoba noted that openness to feedback and collaboration with the press remain essential to ensuring effective service delivery at Nigeria’s busiest port.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by members of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) to his office, recently.
“I’ve said it before — I’m a man whose second name is collaboration. That’s why I see the critical role of assessing our performance as a shared responsibility,” Oshoba stated.
According to him, genuine progress in public service requires self-examination and constructive criticism, adding that no institution can grow without openness and transparency.
“Whatever we do here, someone must be able to see it. If you cannot see yourself clearly, somebody else will. Feedback is important because no matter how good we think we are, we are all work in progress,” he said.
The Comptroller urged officers under his command to welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity for self-improvement rather than as fault-finding. “If someone points out your shortcomings, take it as a guide to improve. We must all continue to perform better, for the Command, for the Service, and for Nigeria,” he added.
Oshoba also commended the efforts of officers and stakeholders who have contributed to the Command’s success before and since his assumption of duty, noting that feedback from various quarters helped him settle quickly into the role.
“I quite appreciate the work you’ve been doing even before I came here. I had already received a lot of feedback about your efforts, and that made it easier for me to take over this seat,” he said.
He reaffirmed that under his leadership, Apapa Customs Command will continue to uphold integrity, diligence, and accountability in line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s mandate.
“Being in uniform does not make us more patriotic than any other Nigerian. We are all citizens striving for the success of our nation. Let us work together to project the image of Customs and achieve our collective mandate,” Oshoba concluded.
