When Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba assumed leadership Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, he inherited a formidable legacy from his predecessor, Assistant Comptroller General Babatunde Olomu, PhD, fsi. Rather than being intimidated by Olomu’s impressive record, Oshoba—a seasoned and results-driven officer—saw an opportunity to build upon that strong foundation and elevate the Command to unprecedented heights.
His vision was clear from day one. Within just 24 hours of taking office, the Command recorded a historic ₦20.1 billion in revenue—the highest single-day collection in the history of the Nigeria Customs Service. This landmark achievement was a testament to Oshoba’s strategic mindset and his ability to harness existing structures while introducing innovative approaches to revenue generation.
Comptroller Oshoba’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to administrative discipline, operational excellence, and strategic innovation. His reforms have focused on these three:
– Process Optimization: Streamlining documentation and clearance procedures to enhance transparency and reduce delays.
– Capacity Development: Prioritizing continuous training and retraining of officers to align with international best practices.
– Digital Transformation: Embracing technology in line with the modernization agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to minimize bottlenecks and improve compliance monitoring.
These initiatives have already begun to yield tangible results. In October 2025, the Command generated a record-breaking ₦304 billion in monthly revenue, setting a new benchmark for customs operations nationwide.
Under Oshoba’s stewardship, the Apapa Command has achieved a delicate balance between enforcement and facilitation, creating a more business-friendly environment for importers and exporters.
This has led to improved cargo throughput through faster cargo handling and reduced dwell time. Enhanced and strengthened stakeholder engagement with shipping companies, terminal operators, and freight forwarders has fostered mutual understanding and smoother operations. Addedto the success is the closer cooperation with sister agencies which has improved intelligence sharing and enforcement outcomes. Furthermore sustained engagement with private sector players has contributed to the modernization of port infrastructure and logistics.
When concerns arose over renewed traffic congestion along the Apapa corridor, Comptroller Oshoba responded swiftly. By aligning customs clearance processes with broader port logistics reforms, he ensured that cargo movement remained efficient and uninterrupted, reinforcing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
Comptroller Oshoba’s leadership is not just about maintaining the status quo—it’s about redefining excellence. His approach, rooted in discipline, innovation, and collaboration, has positioned the Apapa Port Command as a national model for customs efficiency and revenue optimization.
As Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy and boost non-oil revenue, the Apapa Command under Oshoba’s guidance is emerging as a critical pillar. His performance-driven leadership is not only unlocking the port’s vast revenue potential but also setting new standards for transparency, stakeholder trust, and operational excellence.
Industry observers agree: if sustained, these reforms will significantly enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and solidify Apapa’s status as the heartbeat of the nation’s maritime commerce.