Customs, media must work together for efficiency, says Comptroller Oshoba

Customs Area Comptroller, Apapa Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Oluwadare Oshoba, has stressed the importance of a strong partnership between the Customs Service and the media, noting that effective communication and collaboration with journalists are vital to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and public trust in Customs operations at Nigeria’s premier port.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by members of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organization of Nigeria (MARCON) to his office recently, Comptroller Oshoba said that effective performance in public service requires collaboration and openness to feedback.

“I’ve said it before — I’m a man whose second name is collaboration. That’s why I see the critical role of assessing our performance as a shared responsibility,” he said.

According to him, genuine progress within the Command can only be achieved when officers and stakeholders work together to identify strengths and address weaknesses.

“Whatever we do here, someone must be able to see it. If you cannot see yourself clearly, somebody else will. Feedback is important because no matter how good we think we are, we are all works in progress,” he stated.

Comptroller Oshoba encouraged officers to welcome constructive criticism, describing performance evaluation as a tool for growth and accountability rather than fault-finding.

“If someone points out your shortcomings, take it as a guide to improve. We must all continue to perform better — for the Command, for the Service, and for Nigeria,” he added.

Acknowledging the efforts of officers and stakeholders before he assumed office, CAC Oshoba expressed gratitude for the positive reports he had received about the Command’s activities.

“I quite appreciate the work you’ve been doing, even before I came here. I had already received a lot of feedback about your efforts, and that made it easier for me to take over this seat,” he said.

He assured that under his leadership, the Apapa Command will remain committed to upholding the image and mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service through diligence, patriotism, and integrity.

“Being in uniform does not make us more patriotic than any other Nigerian. We are all citizens striving for the success of our nation. Let us work together to project the image of Customs and achieve our collective mandate,” he concluded.