Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the newly appointed Controller for the Nigeria Customs Service’s Ogun 1 Area Command, has pledged to use all legal tools to stop smuggling and other illegal activities along the state’s border while simultaneously ensuring adherence to the country’s trade regulations.
At a ceremony held at the command’s headquarters in Idiroko, in the state’s Ipokia Local Government area, on Thursday, Otunla made this statement as he assumed command leadership from Muhammad Shuaibu.
“Under my leadership, this new administration will not put up with any kind of economic sabotage,” he declared. We will use every legal tool at our disposal to stop smuggling and ensure that current trade laws and regulations are followed.
In his new position, Otunla promised to safeguard the fundamental principles of professionalism, ethics, and national service.
Otunla pledged to build on the command’s successes in trade facilitation and anti-smuggling efforts, acknowledging the special operational difficulties brought about by the strategic border location and socioeconomic factors.
To strengthen the state’s customs operations, he pledged to work toward increases in operational effectiveness, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, and stakeholder cooperation.
Otunla expressed gratitude to the management team and Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for their trust in him and his commitment to upholding the fundamental goals of the customs agency.
He lauded his predecessor, Shuaibu for laying a solid foundation through commendable achievements, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and improved community engagement.
Otunla also sought the cooperation of the officers at the command as well as all the traditional rulers and community leaders in the environs, saying that the task of safeguarding the country’s borders requires the support of all stakeholders.
Earlier in his handing-over remarks, Shuaibu highlighted key achievements of his three-month tenure including the generation of N43,412,794.00 revenue between January and April 2025, 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 million CFA.
He thanked the Comptroller-General, Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve while appreciating the officers and men of the Command for their unwavering support and dedication.
Shuaibu also called on all officers to extend full cooperation to his successor.
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