… Vows to deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling , enforce compliance with trade laws
The new Customs Area Controller for Ogun 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Godwin Otunla has promised to deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with trade laws.
Otunla stated this on Thursday , while taking over the mantle of leadership of the Ogun 1 Command in Idiroko, Ipokia local government area of Ogun State.
His words “This new administration under my watch will not tolerate any form of economic sabotage. We shall deploy all lawful means to combat smuggling and enforce compliance with extant trade laws and regulations”.
In his taking-over speech, Comptroller Godwin Otunla expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the management team for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to uphold the core values of professionalism, integrity, and national service in his new role.
“I do not take this trust for granted, and I assure you all that I will give it my best, guided by the values of professionalism”Otunla stated, while commending his predecessor for laying a solid foundation through commendable achievements, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and improved community engagement.”
Recognizing the unique operational challenges of the Ogun I Area Command due to its strategic border location and socio-economic dynamics, Otunla outlined his vision to consolidate on the gains made and pursue improvements in operational efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, and stakeholder collaboration.
Earlier in his handing-over remarks, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu highlighted key achievements during his three-month tenure which included the generation of N43,412,794.00 in revenue between January and April 2025, and the seizure of 161 prohibited items, including 3,699 parcels of cannabis sativa, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, three single-barrel long guns, four packets of 100 cartridges, and 7 billion CFA .
“What comes to mind first and foremost was revenue we generated during the period. Under my leadership, the Command generated Forty Three Million, Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Four Naira (N43, 412,794.00) from January to April this year 2025.
“On Anti smuggling activities, for the past three months, we have recorded 161 seizures of different prohibited items, prominent to be mentioned is seizures of 3,699 Cannabis Sativa of different make and sizes, 150 Sacks of India Hemp, three Single barrel long Guns, four packets of 25 cartridges of 100 pieces of Cartridges and 7,000,000,000 CFA.
He thanked the Comptroller-General for the opportunity to serve, while appreciating the officers and men of the Command for their unwavering support and dedication.
He also called on all officers to extend full cooperation to his successor.
The event, attended by key stakeholders, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and members of the press, marked a significant transition in the Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts at border management, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations in Ogun State.
