Apapa Port Security Partnership strengthened as Customs and Navy deepen collaboration to enhance maritime safety and streamline cargo movement

The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Command has reinforced its operational alliance with the Nigerian Navy to bolster port security and facilitate smoother cargo movement along the Apapa corridor.

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Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller of Apapa, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, at the Western Naval Command headquarters.

The engagement, according to Oshoba, aligns with the three policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi: consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

“The CGC’s first priority is consolidation. Since assuming office, I have focused on building on existing gains and enhancing the relationship between Apapa Command and the Navy,” Oshoba said.

On collaboration, he stressed that modern border management demands coordinated action among security agencies.

While Customs is tasked with trade facilitation and revenue generation, it also performs vital security functions that require close synergy with the military.

“Innovation means doing things differently to achieve better results. Strengthening inter-agency cooperation is central to this approach,” he added.

Oshoba commended the Navy’s role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime routes, noting that secure waters are essential for vessels entering the country and for efficient cargo clearance at the ports.

Responding, Mustapha described the partnership between both agencies as longstanding and strategic. He observed that effective port security is impossible without strong inter-agency coordination and reiterated the Navy’s commitment to sustaining seamless cooperation.

Mustapha also praised the Customs Service under Adeniyi’s leadership for curbing revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets, describing the performance as impactful for national development.

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The renewed Apapa Port Security Partnership is expected to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience through safer and more streamlined trade processes.