Tincan, Apapa Triumph as Nigeria Customs Zone ‘A’ Inter-Command Games Kick Off
By Ibe Wada
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched its maiden Zone ‘A’ Inter-Command Games Competition in Ikeja, Lagos, with Tincan Island Port and Apapa Area Commands recording opening-day victories in the football event.
The competition opened on Monday, 17 August 2026, at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, to promote work-life balance, physical fitness, teamwork and stronger collaboration among officers across the Zone.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Mohammed Babandede, represented by the Customs Area Controller, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, said the initiative was founded on the principle that a healthy workforce would deliver stronger performance and greater productivity.
“The strength of the Nigeria Customs Service does not depend solely on our training, discipline and professional competence; it also depends on the physical and mental well-being of the officers who carry out these responsibilities every day,” he said.
He urged participants to compete fairly and prioritise friendship, safety and sportsmanship over the pursuit of trophies and medals. “Whatever jersey we wear for our individual commands today, we all wear one greater uniform, the uniform of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said, stressing that rivalries should end with the final whistle.
Customs Area Controllers present at the event described the games as an avenue for strengthening teamwork and collaboration among officers, while expressing confidence in their respective Commands’ chances of winning the trophy.
The competition kicked off with Tincan Island Port Command securing a 1–0 victory over Western Marine Command, while Apapa Command also defeated Lilypond Export Command by the same scoreline.
The competition features teams representing Commands across Zone ‘A’, with trophies and medals scheduled to be presented to the winners at the closing ceremony on 5 September 2026.
