The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Navy have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing maritime security and trade facilitation through strategic partnership.
The pledge was made during a courtesy visit by the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu.
Speaking during their engagement, Comptroller Olomu described the Nigerian Navy as a critical partner in maritime enforcement, noting that effective Customs operations on water are impossible without naval support.
“Without the Navy, Customs Marine cannot operate effectively on water. This is why we must explore avenues to further strengthen our relationship,” he said.
Comptroller Olomu highlighted the success of inter-agency collaboration, affirming that Apapa Command generates 40 to 50% of NCS’s total revenue due to strong inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Navy.
“No trade can thrive in an environment plagued by insecurity. Our success in curbing smuggling and plugging revenue leakages is largely due to the robust cooperation with the Navy and other security agencies,” Olomu stated.
He further commended the Navy’s presence in maritime border areas, stressing its importance in securing Nigeria’s trade routes.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Shehu said that the visit aimed to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the Naval Dockyard and the NCS, particularly in logistics and trade facilitation.
“It is important I familiarise myself with the leadership of Apapa Command. The collaboration between the Navy and Customs have been fruitful over the past 10 years, particularly in trade facilitation involving the Naval Dockyard,” Shehu remarked.
He also advocated for informal, result-oriented engagements between both agencies, highlighting the need for timely Customs clearance of specialised components required for shipbuilding and maintenance operations at the Dockyard.
