Akiolu charges Customs chief in Apapa on integrity
Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has charged the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, to uphold integrity, transparency, and national interest.
Oba Akiolu gave the advice when he received Comptroller Oshoba and the Apapa Customs management team at his palace on Wednesday Oct 15, 2025 in Lagos.
He commended Oshoba for his leadership qualities and family background, describing him as a man from one of the best families in Ogun.
The traditional ruler noted that the customs job carries great responsibility and goodwill, urging the controller to act with honesty and fairness in all dealings.
“Most importers will want you to bend the rules to favour them, but tell them the truth and always put Nigeria first.
“Tell them what is possible and what isn’t; they will respect you for it,” the Oba said.
Customs
He reminded the customs boss that life is temporary, saying, “Anything you do, remember that it is temporary. Everything that goes up will come down.”
Akiolu urged him to train his children in godly and moral ways, emphasising honesty and good character above all else.
The octogenarian traditional ruler advised the customs team to prepare for life after retirement, stressing that public service is not permanent.
Reflecting on his own experience, Akiolu revealed that in spite of spending over N80 million monthly to maintain the palace, his pension is only about N3 million.
He attributed his financial comfort to prudent investments made earlier in life and urged others to emulate the same principle.
“I was smart to have invested my funds years ago, and I’m enjoying the benefits today,” he said.
He added that brokers often try to persuade him to sell shares for their own commissions, but he remains firm.
The visit formed part of Oshoba’s courtesy engagements with key stakeholders in Lagos since assuming duty at the Apapa Command.
In his remarks, Oshoba said the Apapa Port accounts for over 50 per cent of the Nigeria Customs Service’s annual revenue.
He appreciated the Oba for his fatherly support and guidance, pledging continued dedication to national service and professionalism
