Afeni takes helm at Ogun I Customs, vows to boost trade, security

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Afeni has taken over as Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, following his appointment by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, PhD, with his firm promise to build on achievements in trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.

Afeni, a seasoned officer with nearly 20 years of service, brings extensive experience and academic distinction to the role, including a B.Tech from FUTA and a Master’s from UniLag.

He vows to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, suppress smuggling, and prioritize staff welfare and development.

In a press statement by Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Chado Zakari, Public Relations Officer, of the Command this Friday, the formal handover from the outgoing Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla occurred on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Idiroko Command Headquarters, ensuring a smooth leadership transition in a key land border command.

At the event, DC Afeni thanked the Comptroller-General for the appointment and promised to build on successes in trade facilitation, revenue growth, and anti-smuggling efforts.

“It is a great honour to assume the leadership of Ogun I Command. I am fully aware of the unique operational environment of the Command, given its vast borders and strategic importance to the national economy and border security.

“I assure you that I will consolidate the gains recorded by my predecessor and pursue continuous improvement in efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration and community relations”, he said.

The new Acting CAC also stressed his commitment to boosting inter-agency collaboration, minimizing smuggling, and focusing on staff welfare and growth.

Afeni, a veteran of the Nigeria Customs Service, brings rich experience and academic credentials, including a B.Tech from FUTA and a Master’s from UniLag.

Afeni’s career includes specialized training in conflict resolution, strategic leadership, and border operations. He’s a member of NIIA and a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria.

Outgoing Comptroller Otunla described his tenure as “challenging yet fulfilling” in his farewell speech, highlighting successes in curbing smuggling, boosting trade facilitation, and improving staff welfare.

He noted that beyond seizures and revenue, focus was on inter-agency collaboration, strengthening border security and crime control.

“I’m confident DC Afeni will build on our gains and take the Command to new heights,” Otunla said.

The transition boosts efforts to curb smuggling, strengthen border security, and protect Ogun I’s vast land borders.