Iran War: Compt. Otunla Raises Concerns, Reveals MMAC’s Multi-Layered Cargo Screening System
Iran War: Compt. Otunla Raises Concerns, Reveals MMAC’s Multi-Layered Cargo Screening System
By Silas Onuoha
The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are beginning to take a measurable toll on Nigeria’s economy, particularly in the aviation and import sectors. Comptroller Godwin Otunla, Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service, has raised concerns over the global ripple effects of the Iran conflict, warning that disruptions in international air cargo operations are already impacting revenue generation and trade flow into the country.
Speaking with news men recently, Otunla explained that Nigeria’s heavy dependence on imports makes it especially vulnerable to external shocks such as the current crisis. He pointed out that major cargo carriers, including Qatar Airways and other Gulf-based airlines, have significantly reduced or halted operations due to safety concerns arising from missile and drone activities in the Middle East airspace. As a result, several aircraft remain grounded, leading to delays and a sharp drop in cargo inflow.
According to him, the situation is already affecting Customs revenue at MMAC. While the Command recorded ₦24 billion in January and ₦17 billion in February, he projected a likely decline for the current month, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the conflict.
Comptroller Otunla further drew comparisons between operations at land borders and air borders, noting that while both serve as entry and exit points for goods and passengers, their modes of operation differ significantly. At land borders such as Ogun I Command in Idiroko, smuggling remains a persistent challenge due to the vast and porous nature of the terrain, allowing unmanifested goods to slip through unapproved routes despite surveillance efforts.
In contrast, he explained that cargo operations at the airport are more structured and traceable. “All incoming goods are documented with airway bills and processed through bonded terminals and warehouses before release. However, smuggling still occurs at the air border, mainly through concealment tactics, where smaller items are hidden within larger consignments to evade full duty payments”,he said.
To combat this, Otunla disclosed that the MMAC has developed a multi-layered cargo screening system—an internal strategy designed to strengthen oversight beyond standard Customs procedures. The system involves periodic and detailed checks of manifests and airway bills stored electronically, enabling officers to track both cleared and uncleared consignments.
He noted that Customs officials routinely audit these records and collaborate with shed operators to identify and trace consignments to their handlers. Offenders are penalized through fines or other punitive measures, particularly repeat violators, who may face heavier sanctions or risk losing their operational licenses.
Despite these efforts, Otunla acknowledged a key limitation: once improperly declared goods leave the port, recovering their true value becomes difficult. He explained that Customs valuation is based on Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF), while other agencies like FAAN and airlines calculate charges based on cargo weight, sometimes leading to discrepancies in recovered revenue.
The Comptroller also emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and collaboration in border management.
He commended his counterpart at Ogun I Command, Comptroller Afeni, for achieving significant seizures without violent confrontations. Otunla stressed that effective border control goes beyond enforcement, highlighting dialogue and cooperation—particularly with neighboring countries like the Benin Republic—as critical tools in reducing smuggling and ensuring peaceful operations.
He concluded that while smuggling cannot be completely eradicated, sustained vigilance, strategic enforcement, and stakeholder engagement can significantly reduce its impact on the nation’s economy.
