Ogun 1 Customs, NAOSS Foster Collaboration to Promote Youth Awareness, Combat Illicit Trade 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has forged a strategic partnership with the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and host community to promote youth awareness and combat illicit trade.

This development followed a courtesy visit by the leadership of NAOSS to the Command in Idiroko, Ogun State, on Thursday, 22 January, 2026.

Receiving the students, Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni, pledged stronger partnership with the association to alleviate the menace of illicit trade in the state.

DC Afeni reflected on the historical significance of the Idiroko border, noting the relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and local communities have greatly improved.

The Ag. Area Controller posited that existing clashes between officers and host communities have stopped, paving the way for a new era of peace and cooperation.

He expressed concern over daily drug seizures, emphasising youth’s role in perpetuating the trade.

The DC stated that the illegal act keeps growing due to the buyer-seller cycle which he is committed to crush soon with tough action.

In his remarks, NAOSS Global President, Comrade Olubodun Olalekan, commended the command’s anti-smuggling drive and pledged to organise a sensitisation rally to educate the youths on the dangers of smuggling and drug abuse.