Comptroller Godwin Otunla assumes leadership of the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, pledging a resolute stance against smuggling and unwavering enforcement of trade laws. During the handover ceremony at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko, Otunla emphasized his zero-tolerance policy towards economic sabotage, promising to deploy all legal means to combat smuggling and ensure adherence to trade regulations. He underscored his commitment to upholding the core principles of professionalism, integrity, and national service, recognizing the strategic importance of the command’s border location and the accompanying socio-economic complexities. Building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Otunla outlined his vision for enhanced operational efficiency, strengthened enforcement, intelligence-driven operations, and proactive stakeholder collaboration.
Otunla’s agenda focuses on bolstering the command’s performance across various critical areas. He aims to refine operational procedures, ensuring smoother and more effective customs processes. This includes streamlining documentation, inspections, and clearance procedures, minimizing delays and facilitating legitimate trade. Simultaneously, he intends to intensify enforcement efforts, targeting smuggling networks and illicit trade activities. This involves deploying advanced surveillance techniques, increasing patrol frequency, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to effectively curb illegal cross-border movements of goods. Leveraging intelligence-gathering mechanisms is another key aspect of Otunla’s strategy. By developing robust intelligence networks and utilizing data analysis, the command can proactively identify and intercept smuggling attempts, disrupting the operations of criminal syndicates.
Collaboration with stakeholders is paramount to Otunla’s vision. He recognized the importance of building strong partnerships with local communities, traditional rulers, and other government agencies. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, the command can effectively address border security challenges and promote a cooperative environment for trade and economic development. He emphasized the shared responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s borders and called for collective efforts to combat smuggling and protect national interests. Otunla’s leadership approach underscores the significance of community engagement in achieving sustainable border security outcomes.
Outgoing Comptroller Muhammad Shuaibu highlighted the accomplishments of his three-month tenure, showcasing the command’s achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and community engagement. He reported a revenue collection of N43,412,794.00 between January and April 2025, demonstrating the command’s effectiveness in fulfilling its revenue-generating mandate. Shuaibu also detailed the seizure of a substantial quantity of prohibited items, including over 3,699 parcels of cannabis sativa, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, firearms, and ammunition, along with 7 million CFA. These seizures underscore the command’s dedication to combating illicit trade and preventing the flow of illegal goods across the border.
Shuaibu’s emphasis on community engagement reflects his understanding of the importance of fostering positive relationships with local stakeholders. By actively engaging with community leaders and residents, the command can build trust and cooperation, facilitating intelligence sharing and joint efforts to address security concerns. This collaborative approach enhances the effectiveness of border control measures and strengthens the overall security posture of the region. Shuaibu expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve and commended the officers and men of the command for their unwavering support and dedication. He urged them to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor, Comptroller Otunla.
The transition of leadership at the Ogun 1 Area Command signifies a renewed commitment to combating smuggling and strengthening border security. Comptroller Otunla’s vision for enhanced operational efficiency, intelligence-led operations, and stakeholder collaboration promises to further elevate the command’s performance in safeguarding the nation’s borders. His emphasis on upholding professionalism, integrity, and national service sets the tone for a robust and effective customs administration in the region. The accomplishments of outgoing Comptroller Shuaibu demonstrate the command’s commitment to revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and community engagement, providing a solid foundation for continued progress under the new leadership. The collaborative spirit and dedication of the officers and men of the command, coupled with the support of stakeholders, are crucial to achieving sustainable border security outcomes.
