Ogun customs records 83% revenue growth, seizes ₦4bn contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has recorded major gains in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, posting an 83 per cent rise in revenue by January 2025 and seizing contraband valued at more than ₦4 billion.

The Area Controller, Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Idiroko, where he outlined the command’s performance in 2025 and early results for 2026.

Afeni said the command generated ₦454.6 million in 2025, compared with ₦275.8 million in 2024, representing 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 upward trend had continued in 2026, with ₦106 million generated between 1 and 28 January—an 84.3 per cent increase over the same period in 2025.

According to him, the improved performance was driven by officers’ diligence, compliance by traders, enhanced baggage assessment and proceeds from auctioned petroleum products.

On enforcement, Afeni said the command carried out 497 seizures in 2025 through intelligence-led 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 stood at ₦4.03 billion, up from ₦1.7 billion in the previous year.

“These achievements are a testament to the commitment of our officers to combating smuggling, protecting the economy and safeguarding society,” he said.

In 2026 alone, the command has already seized smuggled rice, cannabis sativa, tyres, firearms, ammunition, petroleum products, used vehicles, unregistered pharmaceutical items and suspected antiquities, with a duty paid value of ₦721.45 million.

Afeni expressed concern over the growing interception of arms, ammunition and narcotics, warning that their circulation could 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.

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 urged border communities to reject smuggling and support customs operations by providing credible intelligence.