Ogun I Customs Reaffirms Commitment To Border Security, Trade Facilitation

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening border security while facilitating legitimate trade at the Idiroko border.

In a post on its X page on Wednesday, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a working visit by the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, to the Command Headquarters in Idiroko.

Afeni said the Command remains focused on deepening collaboration with sister security agencies to protect the nation’s borders while ensuring that lawful businesses operate without unnecessary delays.

“Our responsibility goes beyond revenue collection. We are equally committed to securing our borders, facilitating legitimate trade, and supporting economic growth. By working closely with other security agencies, we are creating a border system that is secure, efficient, and business-friendly,” he said.

He noted that the Command has continued to implement measures aimed at improving both security and trade along the border corridor. According to him, the recent joint “Show of Force” operation involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies reinforced efforts to combat cross-border crime.

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Afeni also stated that engagement through the Joint Border Security Committee has led to a significant reduction in the number of checkpoints, easing the movement of legitimate goods without compromising security.

He explained that the reforms align with the Service’s broader modernisation agenda, which recently earned the Nigeria Customs Service recognition by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) as one of Nigeria’s top-performing government agencies in trade facilitation.

Earlier in his remarks, CP Ojajuni commended the Ogun I Area Command for its leadership in maintaining peace and security along the Idiroko border corridor.

He observed that despite being one of Ogun State’s busiest border communities, the area has remained peaceful, attributing the achievement to the strong collaboration among security agencies.