New Apapa Customs Controller, Muazu Turns Engagement into Early Action

..Embarks on Familiarization Visits to Key Stakeholders to Deepen Interagency Collaboration 

 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The new Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Murtala Muazu has has commenced engagement with key stakeholders’ in a move to deepen interagency collaboration and build on the achievements of his predecessor.

Comptroller Muazu embarked on a familiarization to critical stakeholders within his area of responsibilities on Thursday, 8 October 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships and improve operational coordination.

 

The engagement followed his pledge to consolidate on the Command’s past gains in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation while ensuring faster cargo clearance at the nation’s premier port.

Muazu, who officially assumed office on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, after the retirement of his predecessor, Comptroller of Customs Emmanuel Oshoba rtd, described Apapa Command as a strategic Customs formation central to Nigeria’s international trade and revenue generation, assuring stakeholders that his administration would sustain existing achievements and strengthen operational efficiency.

“The gains recorded in revenue generation, enforcement, compliance and trade facilitation are worthy of recognition. We shall consolidate on these achievements and build upon the foundation already laid,” Muazu had said.

He also pledged that his administration would align its operations with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, centred on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

Comptroller Muazu emphasised enhanced supervision and technical training for officers, particularly in tariff classification, valuation and fiscal policy, to improve compliance and revenue collection.

The Area Controller outlined plans to review demand-notice processing, engage shipping lines and commence targeted training for Customs officers and port users inorder to improve service delivery.

His leadership, according to him, would be guided by practical interventions, while consolidating existing structures to enhance efficiency and facilitate legitimate trade.

“I therefore urge everyone to assist my team and me in delivering the mandate entrusted to us. I want to make it clear to the trading public that I am here to strengthen the foundations that have already been laid,” Muazu said, while engaging stakeholders at the command on Monday, 5 October 2026.