By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with organizations, agencies and professional associations that share its vision of enhancing national security, promoting legitimate trade and driving economic development.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, stated this when the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) paid him a courtesy visit at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
Comptroller Afeni said the Service remains open to collaborations that will strengthen border management and support the Federal Government’s economic and security objectives and promised to collaborate with MARAN.
He stressed that the Command would continue to secure Nigeria’s borders against the influx of illegal migrants and other transborder crimes, particularly as the country gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to him, maintaining effective border surveillance is critical to safeguarding national security and preventing criminal elements from exploiting the nation’s porous borders.
The Customs boss also reiterated the Service’s commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and commerce while intensifying efforts against smugglers and importers of prohibited items.
“We will continue to promote lawful trade and business activities, but anyone involved in the importation of contraband goods, especially dangerous drugs capable of destroying lives and communities, will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary of MARAN, Mr. Fabian Anawo, who led the delegation, described the association as one of the strongest media partners of the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders within the maritime and blue economy sector.
Anawo noted that MARAN has consistently provided platforms that foster dialogue, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement through initiatives such as roundtable discussions, breakfast meetings and its annual lecture series.
He explained that the visit was aimed at introducing the association’s new executive leadership to the Customs Command and exploring areas of mutual cooperation.
The MARAN Secretary urged the Command to leverage the association’s various engagement platforms to strengthen communication with border communities and other critical stakeholders. He gave the Command copies of MARAN’s recent publication, 50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
The visit also provided an opportunity to review the Command’s recent achievements under Comptroller Afeni’s leadership.
Afeni, who assumed office as Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command on December 4, 2025, has overseen a series of anti-smuggling operations that have resulted in significant interceptions of prohibited goods.
Since taking over the Command, Customs operatives have reportedly recorded more than 80 seizures of contraband items, including artefacts, food products, hard drugs, petroleum products and other prohibited goods, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N11 billion.
The seizures form part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to combat smuggling, protect local industries, curb illicit trade and enhance national security along the Idiroko border corridor.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the media and Customs authorities would contribute to improved public awareness, greater compliance with trade regulations and sustainable economic development.
