By Correspondent in Sango-Ota.
The newly appointed Area Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, Mr. Oladapo Afeni, officially assumed duty on Thursday at the command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
This is disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Sango-Ota by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Chado Zakari.
According to the statement, Mr. Godwin Otunla, the former Area Comptroller, has been transferred to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, while Deputy Comptroller Afeni was posted to Ogun 1 Area Command to take over the leadership.
Zakari noted that Afeni holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Industrial Design from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), and a Master’s Degree in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies (MDSS) from the University of Lagos.
In his remarks, Afeni pledged to promote legitimate trade and strengthen border operations. He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs for the trust reposed in him, assuring that he would consolidate ongoing achievements in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and anti-smuggling operations.
“It is a great honour to assume the leadership of Ogun 1. I am fully aware of the unique operational environment of this command, with its expansive borders and strategic importance to the national economy and border security.
“I assure you that I will build on the gains already recorded by my predecessor and drive continuous improvements in efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration, and community relations,”he said.
Afeni also emphasised the need to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and reduce smuggling activities to the barest minimum. He further reiterated his commitment to prioritising personnel welfare and professional development.
In his farewell remarks, the outgoing Area Comptroller, Mr. Godwin Otunla, thanked officers and personnel of the Idiroko Command for their support throughout his tenure. He urged them to extend the same cooperation to his successor for greater operational success.
“I encourage you all to give the new Area Comptroller the same level of support, cooperation, and dedication for continued progress,” he advised.
Otunla also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management team for the opportunity to serve and for their unwavering support.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
