The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has pledged to work closely with the Port Police to address the persistent gridlock affecting Lagos ports.
Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, made the announcement on Tuesday while hosting the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Command, Toyin Agbaminoja. The meeting focused on enhancing inter-agency collaboration to improve traffic flow and trade facilitation.
Oshoba urged the police to prioritise clearing access roads, noting that congestion had returned due to issues with the Nigerian Ports Authority’s e-call-up system. “I want you to look at this corridor where cargoes pass through. Please, help us keep it safe and clear for seamless trade facilitation,” he said.
He stressed that port accessibility directly affects revenue generation. “Any disruption to the flow of traffic will impact revenue and hamper the ease of doing business at the port. Industrial peace and harmony are key,” Oshoba added.
The Customs Area Controller reaffirmed the Comptroller-General’s commitment to promoting collaboration, consultation, and consolidation among agencies. He pledged to maintain cordial relationships with the police and other security bodies, stressing the importance of intelligence sharing and discouraging frivolous petitions that could disrupt port operations.
“In modern border management, we cannot do without each other. Collaboration and intelligence sharing are crucial to our success,” he said.
Commissioner Agbaminoja described the police as the “mother of customs,” recalling that the customs service was once part of the police before being assigned revenue duties.
She pledged full support for port security, highlighting the strategic importance of Lagos ports as Nigeria’s second-largest revenue source. “We are here to protect everyone in the port. The port’s security and that of its workers are vital to our duty,” she said.
Agbaminoja also promised to strengthen cooperation with other agencies and eliminate inter-agency rivalry during her tenure.
The meeting underscored a renewed commitment by both the Nigeria Customs Service and the Port Police to ensure smoother operations, enhanced security, and improved revenue collection at Apapa ports.