The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba has reaffirmed the command’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in enhancing port security, maintaining peace, and boosting revenue generation at the country’s premier port.
Comptroller Oshoba made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Authority Police Command, Toyin Agbaminoja on Tuesday.
The CAC emphasised that the success of port operations and revenue generation depends heavily on maintaining law and order within the port corridor, noting that without industrial harmony and security, economic activities within the nation’s busiest port corridor would be severely hindered.
According to him, the smooth operation of port activities depends largely on industrial harmony and a peaceful environment.
He explained his leadership agenda is anchored on the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi working closely with sister agencies while building on existing partnerships established by his predecessors.
Comptroller Oshoba pointed out that modern border management requires constant inter-agency cooperation, both at the strategic and operational levels, to ensure effective control and smooth facilitation of trade.
The CAC who has a background in intelligence, noted that intelligence sharing is central to maintaining peace and curbing criminal activities within the maritime domain. He assured that the command would work closely with the police to exchange actionable information that can help prevent security threats, while also remaining open to intelligence inputs that will aid in protecting the port environment.
He cautioned against the influence of malicious informants who sometimes submit false petitions for personal gain, urging the Police to verify such reports to avoid unnecessary disruptions to legitimate trade. He said that maintaining trust and professionalism between agencies would help ensure fairness and transparency in operations across the port community.
He further appealed to the Police to help keep the port corridor free from obstructions to facilitate the smooth movement of goods. According to him, any disruption along the trade route affects cargo clearance and revenue performance.
He pledged the full cooperation of officers under his command and called for reciprocal support from the Police to sustain peace, enhance trade facilitation, and boost national revenue collection at the Apapa Port.
On her part, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Authority Police Command, Toyin Agbaminoja promised full cooperation and support for the NSC to enhance security and ensure seamless operations within the nation’s busiest port corridor.
Agbaminoja said her visit was to formally introduce herself to officers and strengthen inter agency collaboration. She highlighted the long standing relationship between the Police and Customs, describing the Police as the “mother of customs,” since the service was originally part of the Police before assuming its distinct role in national revenue collection.
The Commissioner emphasised the critical role of security in sustaining Apapa Port’s position as Nigeria’s second largest revenue source after oil. She reaffirmed her command’s commitment to safeguarding the port, its workers, and all stakeholders, noting that an orderly and secure environment is vital for trade facilitation and economic growth.
Agbaminoja assured the Customs Command of her readiness to respond swiftly to any security challenges, pledging 24-hour support from her officers. She also promised to minimise inter-agency rivalry and strengthen mutual respect among security formations within the port.
According to her, while each agency has a unique mandate, they all share the same goal to protect national assets and promote smooth maritime operations.
