Change Of Baton: Olomu Bows Out, Oshoba Steps In as Apapa CAC
Kathy Kyari
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) witnessed a symbolic handover on Monday, 8 September 2025, as Assistant Comptroller-General (ACG) Babatunde Olomu, officially handed over leadership of the command to Comptroller E.O.A. Oshoba.
Addressing officers, stakeholders, and members of the press, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Oshoba, expressed humility at his new role and pledged to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
“It is an honor to stand before you today as the new CAC Apapa Command. I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me by the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, to lead this area which is at the center of customs operations and reforms in our great country,” he said.
Oshoba commended the outgoing controller, ACG Olomu, for what he described as excellent performance and urged officers and stakeholders to extend the same level of support to him. He revealed that his first priority would be to “Look, Listen and Learn” in order to understand the heartbeat of the command, its challenges, and opportunities.
“As you did with my predecessor, do with me. Your ideas, your passion, and your expertise are the foundation on which my service here shall be built. I am committed to fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued,” Oshoba affirmed.
Speaking on modernization, the new CAC stressed that Apapa Command would continue to push the boundaries of innovation. “Together, we will build on the gains of B’Odogwu and cause our workplace to evolve into an ecosystem of rapid innovation and excellence. I ask for your continued support to push the Unified Customs Management System to greater heights.”
Oshoba also underscored the importance of global trade facilitation initiatives, including the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), Time Release Study (TRS), and Advanced Ruling (AR), pledging to uphold compliance and integrity as Nigeria takes center stage in the global customs community.
Meanwhile, outgoing CAC ACG Olomu, who has been elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General, took the opportunity to reflect on his 15-month tenure.
“Today I address you with mixed feelings reminiscing on the beautiful moments we shared together during my time here as Area Controller of Apapa Port, but I am glad to inform you that I am now elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs,” he stated.
Olomu highlighted some of the command’s milestones under his watch, noting that Apapa achieved its first-ever ₦2 trillion revenue collection, in addition to record-breaking daily collections such as ₦17.9 billion on June 19, 2024, and ₦18.9 billion on March 14, 2025. For August 2025 alone, the command recorded ₦214.9 billion using the newly introduced B’Odogwu system.
“It was on my watch that this command achieved its first ₦2 trillion revenue collection which is an unprecedented feat… In recognition of this, the command and my humble self earned numerous awards including the CGC Special Award for Excellence in Revenue Collection, Trade Facilitation, and Overall Best Area Controller,” he said.
The outgoing controller also recalled the historic role Apapa played in Nigeria’s first AfCFTA shipment in July 2024 and subsequent exports under the scheme, as well as his open-door policy that enhanced stakeholder engagement.
In enforcement, Olomu revealed that the command made 75 seizures in 15 months, comprising fake and substandard medicaments, codeine syrup, tramadol, cannabis, and other contrabands concealed in containers.
As he handed over, Olomu urged stakeholders to extend even greater support to his successor. “As Oliver Twist who always ask for more, I am asking that you do more than that for my successor who is also a distinguished gentleman officer with capability to take this command to greater heights.”
The ceremony marked both a celebration of past achievements and a renewed pledge for continuity as Comptroller Oshoba takes charge of Apapa Command, Nigeria’s busiest customs hub.
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