The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has urged newly promoted Deputy and Assistant Comptrollers of Customs to embrace innovation, integrity, and continuous learning as they take on greater responsibilities within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Speaking at the opening session of a special training programme organised for the newly elevated officers on Wednesday, Comptroller Oshoba congratulated the participants on their career advancement, describing their promotions as both “a reward for hard work and a call to greater service.”
He emphasised that their new ranks come with heightened expectations from both the Service and the nation, urging the officers to demonstrate excellence, discipline, and commitment to the modernisation vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.
“These elevations come with benefits, challenges, and responsibilities. The management of the NCS demands more commitment, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to excellence in carrying out the CGC’s reform agenda.”
Highlighting the service’s ongoing transformation drive, the Apapa Area Controller noted that Customs operations are increasingly knowledge-driven, with modernisation initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Time Release Study, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, and the One-Stop Shop mechanism redefining trade facilitation in Nigeria.
He tasked the newly promoted officers to familiarise themselves with these tools and deploy them effectively to enhance efficiency, compliance, and risk management.
“There are cases of non-compliance, either from ignorance or deliberate circumvention of procedures. This calls for greater alertness and the smart use of technology for risk assessment,” Oshoba warned.
Encouraging participants to leverage the training for professional growth, he advised them to interact, exchange ideas, and build networks that would strengthen teamwork and leadership capacity across various commands.
“As new leaders, some of you will be entrusted with sensitive duties, including custodianship of release passwords and supervision of junior officers,” he added.
“You must uphold the tenets of Justice and Honesty, which are core values of the Service.”
Oshoba reaffirmed that capacity building remains a top priority for the Service under its current leadership, with continuous training and retraining forming part of its long-term strategy for institutional excellence.
“To the glory of God and for the benefit of participants and facilitators, I hereby declare this course open,” he concluded.
The training session, held at the Apapa Area Command headquarters, aims to equip the newly promoted officers with advanced knowledge and leadership skills essential for driving Customs modernisation and effective trade facilitation.
