The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has recorded a major boost in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, posting an 83 per cent increase in revenue by January 2025 and seizing contraband valued at over ₦4 billion.
The Area Controller, Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Idiroko, where he reviewed the command’s performance for 2025 and early outcomes for 2026.
Afeni said the command generated ₦454.6 million in 2025, up from ₦275.8 million in 2024, marking a significant improvement in revenue performance.
“This clearly shows that the revenue profile of the command has improved significantly. We are determined to do more and surpass what was collected last year,” he said.
He added that the positive trend continued in 2026, with ₦106 million generated between January 1 and 28, representing an 84.3 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
According to him, the improved performance was driven by officers’ diligence, increased compliance by traders, enhanced baggage assessment and proceeds from auctioned petroleum products.
On enforcement, Afeni said the command recorded 497 seizures in 2025 through intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with other security agencies. Items intercepted included foreign rice, petroleum products, arms and ammunition, narcotics, used vehicles, textiles, food items and motorcycles.
He disclosed that the duty paid value of seizures in 2025 rose to ₦4.03 billion, compared to ₦1.7 billion recorded in the previous year.
“These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling, protecting the economy and safeguarding society,” Afeni said.
In 2026 alone, the command has already intercepted smuggled rice, cannabis sativa, tyres, firearms, ammunition, petroleum products, used vehicles, unregistered pharmaceutical products and suspected antiquities, with a duty paid value of ₦721.45 million.
Afeni expressed concern over the rising interception of arms, ammunition and narcotics, warning that their circulation could further worsen insecurity.
“Attacking our officers will not deter the command from performing its legitimate duties. Such actions will no longer be tolerated,” he said, condemning repeated attacks on customs officers and patrol vehicles in border communities.
He added that seized narcotics were handed over to the NDLEA, arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and substandard pharmaceutical products to NAFDAC.
Afeni also urged border communities to shun smuggling activities and support customs operations by providing credible intelligence.
Elijah Adeyemi
