Ogun 1 Customs: Afeni Hands Over to DC Ibrahim in Seamless Leadership Transition

.Leaves a Legacy Worthy of Recognition, Emulation

ZAINAB JUNAID

As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) continues its leadership transition across major formations, with some commands witnessing seamless handovers, the Ogun 1 Area Command on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, also joined the fold with a change of leadership ceremony held at its Idiroko Headquarters, Ogun State.

‎Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni formally handed over the mantle of leadership to his successor, Deputy Comptroller Abdulhamid Ahmed Ibrahim, marking another key moment in the Service’s ongoing leadership renewal.

The event brought together officers and men of the Ogun 1 Area Command, representatives from sister security agencies, counterparts from neighbouring formations, stakeholders, and other guests.

In his remarks, the new Acting Area Controller, expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for the opportunity and privilege given to him, and appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the entire management team of the NCS for entrusting him with the crucial responsibility.

Ibrahim assured that the opportunity given to him will not be taken for granted. “I pledge to give my very best in upholding the standards of professionalism, integrity, discipline and ethical conduct expected of the Service, while faithfully advancing the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service in accordance with the NCS Act, 2023,” he said.

He acknowledged his predecessor’s leadership, dedication and accomplishments during his tenure, stressing the command recorded notable achievements under his stewardship, including improved revenue collection, strengthened anti-smuggling operations, and enhanced engagement with host communities and other stakeholders.

“our commitment, strategic foresight and contributions have undoubtedly raised the bar and provided a solid foundation upon which we can build. You leave behind a legacy worthy of recognition and emulation. I sincerely appreciate your service and wish you continued success in your future assignments,” Ibrahim observed.

The DC vowed to consolidate the gains already achieved while advancing the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs.

Particular attention, according to him, will be given to community relations, operational efficiency, effective enforcement, intelligence-led operations, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), trade facilitation and robust stakeholder collaboration.

“Our approach will be firm, fair, professional and intelligence-driven. At the same time, we shall continue to uphold the rights of compliant members of the public and legitimate businesses operating within the law,” he added, urging all stakeholders to work together with a shared sense of purpose, integrity and commitment to national service. 

Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, who is now saddled with a higher responsibility of overseeing Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, activities, congratulated his successor on his deployment as the Ag. new Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, urging all stakeholders, officers and men of the command to extend full cooperation to the new helmsman.

“I am confident that he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the administration of the Command. However, for him to succeed, he needs the unalloyed cooperation of everyone,” he said.

In his valedictory speech, he disclosed that the command has generated N896,539,138.00 between January and August, against its 2026 revenue target of N545,348,440.12.

This according to him, shows a difference of N350,713,920.82, a performance he attributed to collective achievement through dedication, transparency and resilience.

Afeni, who assumed Idiroko office on 4 December 2025, also informed that the command has processed 31,177 metric tonnes export goods with Free on Board Value of N4,644,740,110.09.

He also noted that the command had seized 327 uncustoms goods between 4 Dec to 29 Sept 2026, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N14,750,394,251.92.

Afeni listed the prohibited goods to include: 32,449 parcels of both Cannabis, Colorado and Ghana loud; 50 sacks of raw Cannabis sativa; 19,525 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 8,787 cartons of Sphagetti; 11,578 bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice equivalence to 12 truckloads; 6,453 kegs of Vegetable oil; 6 pieces of live pangolins; 2,128 live cartridges; 1,315 Riodin explosive; 2 units of Revolver pistol; 11 units of Dane guns; 2 units of locally made pistol; 5 Camouflage pieces up and down; 32 mixed camouflage inner wears; 32 pieces of Camouflage Top; 197 camouflage trousers; and 7units of foreign used vehicle, this includes 2026 Range Rover P530 Autobiography.

Afeni concluded echoing the words of Saint Paul that “I have run with perseverance and have finished the race (here in Ogun I)”. Whether I have finished the race successfully or not is not for me to say – I will leave it to posterity and you all to be the judge. Remember, our nation depends on us to safeguard its economic prosperity and security”.