APAPA CUSTOMS RESTRICTS PORTS ENTRY TO ACCREDITED REPS ONLY, ROLLS OUT ID CARD SYSTEM FOR AGENTS
APAPA customs restricts Ports entry to accredited Reps only, Rolla our ID- Card system for Agents
By Babatunde Aremu
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has concluded plans to tighten access control measures to ensure only authorized persons gain entry to conduct official business.
In response to rising insecurity nationwide, the Command has directed all licensed clearing and forwarding agencies to submit the names of three representatives via Customs Form C-30 for daily transactions on behalf of their companies.
Customs Form C-30 is an operational document that authorizes licensed clearing agents to operate within a designated command. It is mandatory for cargo clearance and export processing at Nigerian ports.
Reports say , Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the measure aims to reduce visitor numbers and strengthen access control amid growing security concerns.
He explained that the requirement for nominated representatives is already provided for in the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, but had not been fully implemented until now.
“This is a standard procedure globally to enhance security at ports, which are critical to the world economy. In Nigeria, our ports are the arteries of the economy, and we cannot afford to expose them to the risk of attacks,” Oshoba stated.
He cited the September 11 attacks in the U.S. as reason for proactive action, adding that enforcement will commence at Apapa because it is the largest and flagship Customs command.
Oshoba disclosed that accredited representatives will be issued official duty identification cards for access. Agencies must notify the Command of any personnel changes for updates.
Visitors, including journalists, will be required to register at the gate and will be issued visitor identification cards. This is standard practice globally,” he said, noting that terminals like Grimaldi at PTML and APM Terminals already operate similar systems.
The policy takes full effect next week. The Controller said restricting access to accredited reps will strengthen security, improve operational efficiency, and enhance monitoring within the command.
The new regime aligns with recent PEBEC efforts led by DG Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu between 14-16 May 2026 to improve port security, efficiency, and reduce cost of doing business.
