Customs, police unite to promote secure trade, cut border bottlenecks in Idiroko

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, and the Ogun State Police Command have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening inter-agency collaboration to enhance border security, facilitate legitimate trade and promote economic activities along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border.

The renewed commitment was made on Tuesday when the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, paid a strategic working visit to the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun I Area Command, DC Oladapo Afeni, at the Command headquarters in Idiroko.

The visit highlighted the growing cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding the strategically important border corridor, regarded as one of Ogun State’s busiest gateways for regional trade.

Speaking during the visit, CP Ojajuni commended Afeni for his proactive leadership, describing the prevailing peace and security in the border community as evidence of effective collaboration among security agencies.

According to him, the Command has recorded remarkable security improvements since he assumed office.

“Since I assumed office, we have not received any crime report from Idiroko. This is remarkable, especially considering that Idiroko is one of the busiest border communities in Ogun State. The peace we are enjoying here is a direct result of the strong collaboration spearheaded by DC Afeni,” the Commissioner said.

He also praised the cordial relationship between Customs and Police officers, noting that the professionalism and orderly conduct witnessed at the Idiroko-Igolo border reflected mutual trust, effective leadership and operational synergy.

Ojajuni further applauded Customs for fostering an environment that has strengthened regional security while reducing unnecessary checkpoints that previously impeded legitimate commercial activities.

Responding, Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Oladapo Afeni, appreciated the Commissioner for the visit and acknowledged the contributions of all security agencies in maintaining peace and ensuring effective border management.

Afeni reiterated that although revenue generation remains one of the statutory responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, the agency is equally committed to trade facilitation, border security and national economic development.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its commitment to collaborate with all security agencies. Our goal is to create an environment where lawful commerce can thrive while national security is adequately protected,” he said.

Highlighting recent operational achievements, Afeni disclosed that the Command recently conducted a joint “Show of Force” operation involving Nigerian and Beninese security agencies to demonstrate their collective resolve against trans-border crimes.

He also revealed that upon assuming office, he met numerous security checkpoints along the border corridor but initiated discussions through the Joint Border Security Committee, leading to a significant reduction in the number of checkpoints.

According to him, the initiative was designed to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks, improve the movement of goods and persons, facilitate legitimate trade and enhance operational efficiency without compromising security.

Afeni said the reforms have continued to yield positive results, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service recently attained 100 per cent compliance in Ease of Doing Business performance indicators, reflecting the Service’s ongoing modernisation and trade facilitation reforms.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies would further restore the confidence of importers, exporters and other stakeholders while positioning the Idiroko border as a safer and more efficient gateway for international trade.

The visit concluded with an exchange of plaques between CP Ojajuni and DC Afeni, symbolising the enduring partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service and their shared commitment to maintaining peace, strengthening border security and promoting legitimate cross-border commerce.