Licensed customs agents are bracing for a showdown with the Apapa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, over the newly imposed access restrictions.
Effective June 15, 2026, only authorized agents will be permitted entry, requiring access cards costing N5,000 each.
A widely circulated notice to all licensed customs agents on Sunday, June 14, 2026, said: “This is to notify you about the outcome of the meeting between all stakeholders and Apapa Customs Area Controller – Mr. Oshoba on the 11th June, 2026.
“CAC (Customs Area Controller) maintains that, commencing from Monday – 15th June, 2026, no unauthorized agent will be allowed to enter into Customs Areas’ premises.
“Consequently, all Licensed Customs agencies should proceed to bond seat with their “Form C 30″ to register their staff (maximum of 4 persons) with passport photographs to obtain access cards at the rate of N5,000:00 each.”
According to the Apapa Customs Area Controller, the new policy aims to enhance security; however, it has faced criticism from licensed customs agents who argue it may lead to extortion and question the necessity of the new identity cards alongside existing port passes.
Agents are calling for collective action against the policy, emphasizing it as unacceptable.
However, Oshoba defended the measures as standard global practices to control access and reduce visitor numbers, citing similar protocols in place by terminal operators.