New Era Begins: Comptroller Otunla Assumes Duty at Ogun 1 Command
The Nigeria Customs Service has a new leader at the Ogun 1 Area Command, with Comptroller Godwin Otunla officially taking office. During his inauguration at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State, Comptroller Otunla pledged to build on existing successes and intensify efforts against smuggling. “Under my administration, we will not tolerate economic sabotage,” he stated. “We will utilize all lawful means to combat smuggling and ensure strict compliance with trade laws and regulations.”, he said.
Comptroller Otunla, who succeeded Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the NCS management team for the trust placed in him. He assured stakeholders of his commitment to professionalism and integrity, stating, “I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown in me, and I pledge to deliver my best, guided by the values of professionalism.” Otunla also commended his predecessor for establishing a strong foundation, particularly in revenue generation, anti-smuggling efforts, and community engagement.
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Recognizing the complexities of overseeing a border post like Ogun 1, Comptroller Otunla highlighted the need to enhance enforcement, intelligence-driven operations, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. Meanwhile, outgoing Comptroller Shuaibu reflected on his three-month tenure, which saw notable achievements. During his brief stint from January to April 2025, the Command generated over N43 million in revenue and made significant strides in anti-smuggling efforts.
“What comes to mind first and foremost was revenue we generated during the period. Under my leadership, the Command generated Forty Three Million, Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Four Naira (N43,412,794.00) from January to April this year 2025,” he said.
“On anti-smuggling activities, for the past three months, we have recorded 161 seizures of different prohibited items. Prominent to be mentioned is seizures of 3,699 Cannabis Sativa of different make and sizes, 150 Sacks of India Hemp, three Single barrel long Guns, four packets of 25 cartridges of 100 pieces of Cartridges and 7,000,000,000 CFA.”
Shuaibu also used the occasion to thank the Comptroller-General and the officers and men of the Command for their unwavering support. He urged them to give the same level of cooperation and loyalty to his successor.
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