Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, has charged officers of the command to intensify revenue generation, strengthen anti-smuggling operations and uphold professionalism.

Mr Oshoba gave the directive during the command’s monthly parade held on Tuesday at the Apapa Command headquarters in Lagos.

He stressed the need for improved operational efficiency across terminals to block revenue leakages while ensuring seamless trade facilitation and prompt cargo clearance.

He said, “Officers must protect the reputation of the Service. Any delay by any officer concerning any consignment will not be tolerated. Even at the gates, if a consignment is duly exited, there should be no delay.”

The area controller urged officers to remain accessible and professional in their dealings with stakeholders.

He said, “We must avoid actions capable of tarnishing the good image of the service and the good work being done by the comptroller-general of vustoms and his management team. We should not be seen as clogs in the wheels of progress.”

Mr Oshoba also called for heightened vigilance against smuggling, especially illicit drugs and prohibited items, warning officers against misconduct and improper dressing.

The parade featured awards for outstanding officers and operational units for exemplary performance.

The Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Ismail Mohammed, emerged as the Most Outstanding Officer for April.

The Chief Superintendent of Customs, Augustine Ondoma, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Bukola Olaleye and Inspector of Customs, Olalekan Salawu, were also recognised for professionalism, innovation and punctuality respectively.

Similarly, officers of APM Terminal received the Excellence Award on Enforcement, while officers of ECO SUPPORT Terminal received the Excellence Award on Revenue Generation.

Mr Oshoba said the initiative was introduced to encourage hard work, professionalism and healthy competition among officers and units of the command.

(NAN)