COMPTROLLER OSHOBA'S TRANSFORMATIVE STEWARDSHIP AT APAPA PREMIER COMMAND
In the pantheon of exceptional leaders, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba stands tall among his contemprories, wielding a magic wand that has catapulted Apapa Premier Port to unprecedented heights within the short period of his stay at the command.
As the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the biggest command in the federation and the whole of Customs formation, Oshoba has demonstrated astute leadership, driving sterling performance in trade facilitation, national security, and revenue growth for the Federal Government.
His outstanding performance in revenue drive is second to none.
When Oshoba assumed office, he inherited a robust framework established by his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller General Babatunde Olomu. Rather than being daunted by the challenge, he seized the opportunity to innovate and elevate the Command's performance. Within 24 hours of taking charge, Apapa Command under his mandate recorded a staggering ₦20.1 billion single-day revenue collection, the highest ever in the Nigeria Customs Service's history.
Oshoba's leadership is characterized by administrative discipline, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships. He has prioritized transparency and accountability, streamlining documentation and clearance procedures, and emphasized capacity building through training and retraining of officers to align with global best practices. The Command has deployed digital tools to reduce bottlenecks and enhance compliance monitoring, achieving unquestionable operational excellence.
Revenue collection has improved significantly, with October 2025 recording ₦304 billion, the highest monthly revenue ever. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Oshoba's unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to drive results.
Oshoba has achieved a delicate balance between enforcement and facilitation, creating a business-friendly environment for importers and exporters. Operational adjustments have led to smoother cargo handling and reduced delays, while strategic partnerships have strengthened collaboration with port stakeholders, shipping companies, and sister agencies.
"We are building on what we met, but with a renewed commitment to transparency, efficiency, and collaboration," Oshoba remarked during a stakeholders' forum. His leadership has fostered trust and compliance, reducing disputes and enhancing smooth cargo movement.
Apapa Port Command, the "nerve center" of Nigeria's maritime trade, has long been the benchmark for customs operations. Under Oshoba's stewardship, it is setting new standards for efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder trust. Industry watchers believe that if sustained, these reforms will boost Nigeria's trade competitiveness and reinforce Apapa's status as the nation's leading customs port.
Some of Oshoba's notable achievements include:
- Improved revenue collection, with a 25% increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024
- Reduced cargo clearance time by 30%, resulting in increased trade efficiency and reduced costs for importers and exporters
- Enhanced security measures, including the deployment of advanced scanning technology and increased surveillance
- Strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, and freight forwarders
- Development of a comprehensive training program for officers, focusing on global best practices and emerging trends in customs administration
Oshoba's scorecard aligns with his pledge to raise the bar, manifesting in measurable scales. His leadership style, anchored on discipline, innovation, and collaboration, has positioned Apapa Port Command as a model for efficiency and revenue optimization. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen non-oil revenue, Apapa Port Command under Oshoba's leadership is a critical pillar, unlocking revenue potential and setting new standards for excellence.

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