BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
When Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni assumed office as Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service in December 2025, the Idiroko Border was widely regarded as a major corridor for smuggling and illicit trade.
Barely 12 days after taking charge, Afeni stunned observers by intercepting contraband with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2.006 billion, the highest seizure recorded within such a short period in the command’s history.
Since then, enforcement operations have intensified. Between February and March 2026, the command seized prohibited goods valued at ₦1.35 billion, including petroleum products and agricultural contraband.
Speaking during a press briefing, Afeni said the seizures were meant to send a clear signal to smugglers.
“These seizures are not just statistics; they are a clear message to economic saboteurs that Ogun I is no longer a safe corridor for illicit trade,” he stated.
The enforcement momentum has also translated into significant revenue growth for the command. In the first quarter of 2026, Ogun I Command generated ₦285,652,469, surpassing the ₦259,265,495 recorded in the same period of 2025.
Afeni attributed the increase to stronger compliance measures, improved baggage assessments and auction sales of seized petroleum products.
“Our revenue growth is proof that compliance is being embraced. Traders now understand that Ogun I is a command where rules are enforced firmly but fairly,” he explained.
Beyond enforcement and revenue generation, Afeni’s leadership has triggered a revival of export activities at the border command. For the first time in years, the command recorded 95 metric tons of export goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦305,749,264.05, marking a major turnaround from 2025 when export activity at the border was virtually nonexistent.
“We are not only shutting the door on smuggling; we are opening legitimate pathways for Nigerian exporters,” Afeni said.
Industry observers say the transformation of Ogun I Command reflects the leadership vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, whose administration has emphasized strategic postings and operational efficiency across commands.
Under Afeni’s stewardship, the Idiroko corridor is increasingly being viewed as a model of how border commands can balance strict enforcement with trade facilitation.
At his assumption of duty, Afeni had pledged to strengthen border security while promoting legitimate trade.
“It is a great honour to assume leadership of Ogun I Command. I am fully aware of its strategic importance, and I will strengthen border security while promoting legitimate trade,” he said.
Less than four months into his tenure, the results appear to validate that commitment. Analysts now describe the Ogun I Command as a growing example of how strategic leadership can transform a once-troubled border into a gateway for compliance, trade and economic growth.
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