CP Ojajuni Applauds Ogun I Customs’ Security Reforms, Trade Facilitation at Idiroko
CP Ojajuni Applauds Ogun I Customs’ Security Reforms, Trade Facilitation at Idiroko
…As Afeni pledges stronger inter-agency collaboration to boost importers’ and exporters’ confidence
By Silas Onuoha
In a major boost to inter-agency cooperation and border security, the Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has received high commendation from the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, for its outstanding efforts in maintaining peace, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing security along the strategic Idiroko border corridor.
The commendation came during the Commissioner’s official working visit to the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, at the Command headquarters in Idiroko.
Speaking during the visit, CP Ojajuni described the security situation in Idiroko as exemplary, noting that since assuming office as Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, he has not received any major crime complaint from the border community despite its strategic importance and high commercial activities.
He attributed the prevailing peace and stability in the area to the strong operational synergy between the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies under the leadership of Deputy Comptroller Afeni.
The Commissioner further applauded the Customs Area Controller for fostering exceptional collaboration among security agencies, which has enhanced coordinated border management, strengthened public confidence, and reduced security challenges across the corridor.
He also praised the orderly security architecture at the Idiroko-Igolo border, describing it as a reflection of visionary leadership, professionalism, and mutual trust among security operatives. According to him, the Customs Area Controller’s commitment to collaboration has significantly reduced unnecessary checkpoints while ensuring effective security and uninterrupted movement of legitimate goods and persons.
Responding, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, fsm, mniia, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police for the visit and commended all security agencies operating within the Command for their unwavering cooperation and commitment to national security.
Afeni reiterated that beyond its statutory mandate of revenue generation, the Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to trade facilitation, border security, anti-smuggling operations, and the promotion of national economic development through strategic partnerships.
Highlighting recent achievements, he recalled the successful joint “Show of Force” operation conducted by Nigerian and Beninese security agencies, describing it as a demonstration of the strong bilateral commitment to combating trans-border crimes and safeguarding the shared border.
The Controller disclosed that upon assuming office, he inherited multiple security checkpoints along the Idiroko corridor. Through the Joint Border Security Committee, sustained dialogue, and effective collaboration with sister agencies, the number of checkpoints has been drastically reduced, eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks, improving operational efficiency, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing the ease of movement for businesses and travelers.
He added that the ongoing reforms align with the Nigeria Customs Service’s modernization agenda, which recently earned the Service a 100 percent compliance rating in the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business assessment, further reinforcing its commitment to creating a more business-friendly trading environment.
The visit concluded with the exchange of commemorative plaques between the two agency heads, symbolizing their shared resolve to deepen collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders while promoting legitimate cross-border trade. Both leaders reaffirmed that sustained inter-agency cooperation remains indispensable to strengthening national security, boosting investors’ confidence, and unlocking the economic potential of the Idiroko border corridor.
