Comptroller Murtala Mu'azu has formally assumed duty as the 33rd Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Area Command, taking over from Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba. The assumption of office and farewell ceremony was held at the Auditorium of the Apapa Area Command, attended by heads of security and regulatory agencies, representatives of government agencies, and stakeholders. Mu'azu pledged to consolidate the Command's achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement, and institutional discipline.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Mu'azu described his appointment as "a great honour and privilege" and expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the confidence reposed in him. He stated that his administration would be guided by the three strategic pillars of the Comptroller-General of Customs: Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. Mu'azu emphasized revenue integrity, efficient trade facilitation, professionalism, and stakeholder engagement.
Comptroller Mu'azu assured stakeholders that the Command would deepen collaboration with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, shipping companies, terminal operators, port authorities, and partner government agencies. He stressed that the Service was committed to making the Apapa port more efficient and responsive to legitimate trade. Mu'azu also declared his administration's commitment to eliminating avoidable delays in cargo processing.
The new CAC acknowledged the record set by his predecessor, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, particularly in revenue generation. Under Oshoba, the Command recorded a historic monthly collection of N323 billion in July 2026 and a single-day collection of N28.102 billion on August 18, 2026. Mu'azu stated that sustaining the momentum would be a challenge, but he was determined to match and surpass the record.
Comptroller Mu'azu commended Oshoba's contributions to enforcement, trade facilitation, and the implementation of the Service's modernization initiatives. These initiatives include B'Odogwu, Advance Ruling, the Authorized Economic Operator Programme, One-Stop Shop, and Non-Intrusive Inspection technology. Oshoba noted that Advance Ruling provides legitimate traders with greater predictability and clarity on Customs treatment before importation.
In his farewell message, Comptroller Oshoba expressed appreciation to the officers, men, and stakeholders of Apapa Area Command for their support throughout his tenure. He charged the officers to sustain the standards of the Command, stating that discipline must remain the foundation, professionalism the standard, and excellence the aspiration. Oshoba urged them to extend the same support and cooperation to his successor.
Comptroller Mu'azu urged officers and stakeholders to work collectively towards the continued success of the Command. He assured stakeholders of an open and constructive relationship founded on fairness, mutual respect, and the national interest. Mu'azu expressed confidence that Apapa Area Command would continue to serve as a model of efficient revenue administration, legitimate trade facilitation, and professional conduct.
Key points
- Comptroller Murtala Mu'azu has taken over as the 33rd Customs Area Controller of Apapa Area Command.
- Mu'azu pledged to consolidate the Command's achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, enforcement, and institutional discipline.
- The Command recorded a historic monthly collection of N323 billion in July 2026 under Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba.
