Nigerian Navy MCIO Commander Pays Courtesy Visit to Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command
Oru Leonard
Nigerian Navy, Customs Deepen Ties to Boost Port Security and Trade Efficiency
The Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger inter-agency collaboration following a courtesy visit by the Commander of the Materials Clearing and Inspection Office (MCIO), Nigerian Navy Apapa, Captain U.S. Akoh, to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command in Lagos.
This is contained in a statement signed by CSC V. U. Ogagbor, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Customs Service
Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command, Lagos on March 26, 2026.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, March 26, 2026, focused on enhancing cooperation between both agencies, particularly in the areas of port security, cargo monitoring, intelligence sharing, and efficient maritime operations.
Speaking during the engagement, Captain Akoh underscored the importance of unity among government institutions, describing them as interconnected parts that must work in harmony to achieve national goals. He praised the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism and sustained efforts in trade facilitation and revenue generation, stressing that collaboration remains critical to national development.
Discussions during the meeting highlighted the need for improved coordination in tackling security challenges within the maritime domain, as well as ensuring seamless trade activities that support the nation’s economy.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of the KLT Command welcomed the Navy delegation and commended the long-standing relationship between both agencies. He reiterated the Command’s readiness to continue strengthening partnerships aimed at enhancing compliance, safeguarding ports, and promoting efficient service delivery.
The visit ended with the exchange of plaques between both parties, symbolizing mutual respect and a renewed resolve to deepen collaboration for safer and more effective maritime operations.
CSC V. U. Ogagbor
Public Relations Officer
Nigeria Customs Service
Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command, Lagos
March 26, 2026
The Commander, Materials Clearing and Inspection Office (MCIO), Nigerian Navy Apapa, Captain U.S. Akoh, alongside his team, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Service, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, Lagos, on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to strengthen cooperation and working relations between both agencies.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on improving collaboration in port operations, security, cargo monitoring, and information sharing within the maritime environment. Both organisations emphasized the importance of synergy among government agencies to ensure seamless trade activities and effective protection of national economic interests.
During the engagement, Captain Akoh emphasized the need for sustained cooperation among security agencies, describing government institutions as parts of one body where each unit plays a vital role and cannot function effectively without the other. He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its professionalism and dedication to trade facilitation and revenue generation, noting that collective effort remains key to achieving national objectives.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller welcomed the Navy delegation and expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Customs Service. He assured the delegation of the Command’s continued commitment to working closely with partner agencies to strengthen security, promote compliance, and ensure efficient port operations.
The visit concluded with the exchange of plaques as a symbol of mutual respect and strengthened inter-agency collaboration, marking a renewed commitment by both agencies to work together for safer and more efficient maritime operations.
