STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR PROMOTION OF COMPTROLLER EMMANUEL OSOBA OVER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AT APAPA PORTS
STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR PROMOTION OF COMPTROLLER EMMANUEL OSOBA OVER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AT APAPA CUSTOMS
By Babatunde Aremu
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector are calling on the Nigeria Customs Service management to promote Comptroller Emmanuel Osoba, Area Controller of Apapa Command, citing exceptional performance in revenue generation and enforcement.
Since assuming leadership at Apapa, Nigeria’s busiest port, Comptroller Osoba has overseen significant improvements in revenue collection. Command records show consistent monthly targets being met and surpassed, boosting government revenue amid national economic pressures.
Beyond revenue, the command under his watch has recorded high-profile interceptions of illicit and uncustomed goods. The seizures, which include contraband, prohibited items and falsely declared cargo, have strengthened border security and protected local industries from unfair competition.
A port user, Alhaji Suleiman Bello, who imports building materials through Apapa, said: _“Under Comptroller Osoba, things are more orderly. He insists on due process but he is also fair. We now spend less time on unnecessary delays because compliance is clear to everyone. That kind of leadership should be rewarded.”_
Also speaking, Mrs. Chioma Okeke, a freight forwarder with 15 years’ experience at the port, noted: _“Apapa has always been tough, but the difference now is discipline. Comptroller Osoba doesn’t compromise standards, yet he engages stakeholders. We are recording more seizures of illicit items, and revenue has improved. He deserves a promotion for this performance.”_
“Comptroller Osoba has brought professionalism, discipline and innovation to Apapa Command. Revenue is up, and compliance is improving because traders know the rules will be enforced. His performance deserves recognition at the highest level,” a senior clearing agent who requested anonymity said.
Maritime analysts note that Apapa Command accounts for a major share of Customs’ national revenue target. Sustained growth under Osoba, coupled with firm action against smuggling and duty evasion, positions him as a model for leadership within the service.
Stakeholders are urging the Customs Board and Comptroller-General to consider his track record in the next round of promotions and postings, arguing that rewarding excellence will motivate similar results across other commands.
The Nigeria Customs Service has made boosting revenue and curbing smuggling central to its agenda. Proponents say promoting officers like Comptroller Osoba reinforces that commitment.
