How Ogun 1 Customs Under Afeni Is Tough On Smuggling, Strong On Revenue Growth
By Nigeria Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE)
At Idiroko, Nigeria’s western gateway to the Republic of Benin, security and commerce meet at one of the country’s busiest border corridors. Since assuming office in December 2025 as Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Oladapo Afeni has focused on intelligence-led enforcement, stronger inter-agency cooperation, revenue generation and trade facilitation. His tenure has already produced notable results in these areas.
Afeni’s anti-smuggling campaign has been particularly prominent. Within his first 11 days in office, the command reported seizures valued at more than N2 billion. They included 16 kilogrammes of heroin, 12 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, about 1,502 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, foreign food products and petroleum products. The operations reflected a strategy based increasingly on intelligence and targeted patrols.
The campaign has continued with major interceptions across the command. Between April 1 and June 23, 2026, officers recorded 146 seizures valued at about N4.63 billion. The items included 2,807 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 9,482 parcels of cannabis sativa, 16,525 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 2,427 pneumatic tyres, pharmaceuticals, sugar, fertiliser and footwear. In one operation, officers also intercepted foreign rice concealed beneath bags of cement.
These operations have implications beyond Customs enforcement. Smuggled goods undermine local manufacturers and farmers by creating unfair competition. They also deprive government of legitimate revenue. The interception of narcotics and other dangerous products adds another dimension to the command’s role in protecting public safety. In this regard, Afeni’s enforcement drive has combined economic protection with border security.
Revenue collection has also improved significantly. Between April and June 2026, Ogun I generated approximately N259.8 million, compared with N76.8 million during the same period in 2025. That represents a reported 238 per cent increase. The command attributed the rise to stronger regulatory enforcement, baggage assessments, auction activities and improved compliance. In 2025, it generated N454.67 million, up 47 per cent from the previous year.
Afeni has also sought to give legitimate commerce greater attention. During the second quarter of 2026, Ogun I facilitated the export of 20,972 metric tonnes of goods worth about N1.049 billion. The exports included white talc, crushed thermal coal and compressed natural gas products. The development marked a significant change from the corresponding period of 2025, when the command recorded no export activity.
Inter-agency cooperation has been another major feature of the administration. Ogun I has strengthened collaboration with the Police, Department of State Services, Immigration, NSCDC, NDLEA, NAFDAC and security authorities in neighbouring Benin Republic. A joint border-security engagement in January focused on intelligence sharing and coordinated operations. Seized narcotics and regulated pharmaceutical products have also been transferred to the appropriate agencies for further action.
The importance of this collaboration was underscored during the July 8, 2026 visit of Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, to the command headquarters. Afeni said Customs was committed not only to securing the border but also to making legitimate trade easier. He disclosed that the Joint Border Security Committee had helped reduce the number of checkpoints along the corridor, easing movement without compromising security.
The command has also engaged border communities and supported social projects under the Customs Cares Initiative. These include a hospital project in Imeko, a secondary school project in Ijofin and a jetty project in the same community. Such initiatives can strengthen relations between Customs and residents, who are often well positioned to provide information about smuggling routes and other criminal activities.
However, NASRE believes there is room for further improvement. The command should deepen digitalisation and transparency in its trade-facilitation processes, with clearer service timelines, fewer manual procedures and stronger complaint-resolution channels for legitimate traders, exporters and transporters. It should also strengthen structured engagement with border communities, traditional rulers, traders and transport unions. Such partnerships can provide useful intelligence on emerging smuggling routes while helping residents understand the economic and security consequences of illicit trade.
Overall, Afeni’s tenure has produced a noteworthy balance between enforcement and facilitation. Billions of naira worth of contraband have been intercepted, revenue has risen sharply, exports have increased and security cooperation has strengthened. The next challenge is sustainability. If these gains continue, and legitimate businesses find the Idiroko corridor safer and easier to use, Ogun I Command could establish a durable model for modern border management in Nigeria.
