By correspondent in Idi-Iroko.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a new leadership at the Ogun 1 Area Command, as Comptroller Godwin Otunla formally assumed office on Thursday at the command headquarters in Idiroko.
Our correspondent reports that Otunla takes over from Comptroller Muhammed Shuaibu, who handed over the reins during a brief ceremony attended by officers and stakeholders.
In his farewell remarks, Shuaibu described his tenure as a period of both challenges and achievements.
He highlighted significant accomplishments under his leadership, including increased revenue generation, enhanced border security, and improved trade facilitation.
“During my time here, we not only enforced our core mandates but also fostered stronger collaboration with sister agencies, stakeholders, and our counterparts in the Republic of Benin,” Shuaibu said.
He disclosed that the command generated N43,412,794 between January and April 2025, and made 161 seizures of prohibited items.
” These include 3,699 parcels of cannabis sativa, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, three single-barrel guns, four packets of 25 cartridges, and 7 billion CFA”,he disclosed.
Shuaibu expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the NCS management for the opportunity to serve, and urged personnel to extend their full support to his successor.
“I have run with perseverance and have finished the race,” he added.
In his inaugural address, Comptroller Otunla thanked the NCS leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to serve with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.
“I do not take this trust for granted. I am committed to upholding the values of the service and delivering on our mandate,” Otunla said.
He commended Shuaibu for his remarkable leadership, which he noted contributed to the command’s notable achievements in revenue collection, anti-smuggling operations, and stakeholder engagement.
Otunla reaffirmed his commitment to revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of legitimate trade, and national security.
He assured traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders of continued collaboration and sustained partnership.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
