By Hyacinth Nwafor
The Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Mohammed Babandede, has delivered a strong operational message across two strategic Lagos Commands, commending outstanding results at Apapa Area Command while charging officers at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal on discipline, integrity and improved service delivery.
At Apapa Area Command, where he paid a familiarisation visit on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Babandede praised officers and men of the Command for their exceptional performance in revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation throughout the 2025 operational year, noting that the Command surpassed its annual revenue target.
He explained that the visit was aimed at acknowledging operational challenges, recognising notable achievements and boosting the morale of personnel who have consistently delivered beyond expectations, describing Apapa as a critical hub in the Service’s revenue and enforcement framework.
The Zonal Coordinator also commended the Command’s sustained anti-smuggling operations, highlighting major seizures of narcotics and other illicit substances, including cocaine and tramadol, which he said were significant interventions in protecting national security, public health and societal well-being.
Babandede stressed that while revenue generation remains a core priority, the Service’s mandate equally covers national security, public safety and trade facilitation, applauding Apapa’s effective inter-agency collaboration and urging deeper synergy with sister agencies to strengthen operational outcomes.
He further emphasised integrity, reputational management, mentorship and capacity building, urging senior officers to deliberately groom younger personnel, while also drawing attention to officers’ welfare and health, disclosing that drug integrity tests would be conducted across Commands.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the timely and motivating visit, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustained performance, ethical conduct and strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs.
Earlier, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Babandede undertook a strategic operational visit to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, aimed at strengthening efficiency, service delivery and operational focus within the Command.
He was received by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Bolaji Lukman Adigun, who described the visit as timely and inspiring, and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation in alignment with the broader vision of the Service.
Addressing officers at KLT, the Zonal Coordinator underscored the importance of discipline, dedication, integrity and teamwork, urging personnel to remain vigilant, adapt to evolving trade and border management challenges, adhere strictly to procedures and promote innovation and accountability.
Deputy Comptroller Adigun described the engagement as a defining moment for the Command, assuring that the guidance provided would sharpen operational focus, enhance service standards, safeguard the national economy and facilitate legitimate trade more efficiently.