By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, and the Ogun State Police Command have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at improving border security, facilitating legitimate trade, and creating a more business-friendly environment along the Idiroko border corridor.
The renewed partnership was reinforced on Tuesday when the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, paid a working visit to the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko.
The visit highlighted the growing cooperation between the two security agencies and their shared determination to safeguard Nigeria’s borders while promoting lawful cross-border trade.
Speaking during the meeting, CP Ojajuni commended Deputy Comptroller Afeni for his leadership, noting that security had significantly improved within the border community since he assumed office.
According to the Police Commissioner, the absence of major criminal incidents in Idiroko in recent months reflects the effectiveness of the close working relationship among security agencies operating in the area.
He described the collaboration between the Police and Customs along the Idiroko-Igolo corridor as a model of professionalism, mutual trust, and coordinated security operations.
Ojajuni also praised the Customs leadership for introducing measures that support legitimate business activities while reducing unnecessary obstacles to trade.
Responding, Deputy Comptroller Afeni appreciated the Police Commissioner for the visit and acknowledged the support of the Police and other security agencies in maintaining peace across the border community.
He explained that beyond revenue generation, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to facilitating trade and ensuring effective border management.
Afeni highlighted recent joint security initiatives, including a coordinated “Show of Force” operation involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies, which he said served as a strong warning to criminal elements operating across the border.
The Acting Customs Area Controller also disclosed that upon assuming office, one of his immediate priorities was addressing the proliferation of checkpoints along the border route.
He said sustained engagements through the Joint Border Security Committee and consultations with sister security agencies led to a significant reduction in the number of checkpoints, easing the movement of goods and travellers without compromising security.
According to him, the development has reduced delays, improved operational efficiency, and restored the confidence of importers and exporters using the border corridor.
Afeni added that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service recently recorded a 100 per cent compliance rating in Ease of Doing Business performance assessment.
The visit concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques by both agencies as a symbol of their commitment to sustaining cooperation, strengthening border security, and promoting economic activities at the Idiroko border.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by DSC Zakari Chado, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command.
