From smuggling narrative to opportunity: Ipokia chairman calls for youth empowerment, stronger customs partnership

… Customs committed to Ipokia dev – Afeni

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

In the border town of Idiroko, where Nigeria shares a boundary with the Republic of Benin, public conversations about the area are often dominated by narratives of smuggling and cross-border trade. But the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Area, Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, says the reality of the community is far more complex than the false narratives frequently attached to border settlements.

Hon Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh, Executive Chairman Ipokia LGA 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nationupdate at Ipokia, the Executive Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Area, Johnson Akohomeh Avoseh – who, unlike many local government chairmen across the country that operate from urban centres rather than their rural councils said he deliberately chose to live within the community he governs.

He described Ipokia Local Government Area as a vibrant border community made up largely of farmers, traders and entrepreneurs striving to build legitimate livelihoods despite economic pressures that sometimes push residents toward informal cross-border commerce.

Avoseh also commended the leadership of the Acting Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Olukayode Oladapo Afeni, noting that the command has recorded significant improvement in engagement with community stakeholders.

According to the chairman, tensions between youths and customs officers had occurred in the past, largely due to misunderstandings and the intensity of anti-smuggling operations.

However, he said sustained dialogue involving community leaders, traditional rulers, the local government and customs authorities has helped to significantly reduce such confrontations.

Ipokia LGA Secretariat

“We didn’t ask to be born in a border community. It’s God that makes such decisions, and His are perfect. The geographical reality of living alongside an international boundary naturally exposes residents to cross-border economic activities,” he said.

He stressed that human life must never be sacrificed in the pursuit of goods, warning that no commodity including smuggled rice should ever be valued above the safety and lives of citizens.

According to the chairman, tensions between youths and Customs officers had occurred in the past, largely due to misunderstandings and the intensity of anti-smuggling operations.

He emphasized that sustained dialogue involving community leaders, traditional rulers, the local government and Customs authorities has helped reduce such confrontations.

While acknowledging that some youths participate in smuggling logistics, he argued that many of them are merely used by larger criminal networks that control the illegal trade.

He said, “Those making the real money are not the youths you see carrying goods, most young people involved in such activities are simply struggling to survive difficult economic conditions.”

The chairman, however, noted a gradual shift within the community as more youths embrace legitimate economic opportunities through empowerment programmes and vocational training initiatives.

One such programme, he said, is driven by Bonny Abisogun Botoku, promoter of the Borderline Creative Empowerment Centre in Idiroko.

The centre he said trains youths and women in various skills including cassava processing, art and sculpture, painting, Adire and batik production. Participants have also developed a locally branded product known as “Border Garri,” which is gradually gaining recognition.

According to Avoseh, such initiatives are helping redirect the energy of young people toward productive ventures capable of generating sustainable income.

He added that artworks produced by trainees often depict life along the border, including themes discouraging smuggling while highlighting the realities of border security operations.

Beyond skills development, Avoseh pointed to the strong agricultural base of the local government area. He said Ipokia remains one of the largest producers of palm oil and palm kernel in Ogun State, while fish farming, cattle rearing and crop production provide major sources of livelihood for residents.

“Food is very cheap here because we produce what we eat. Cassava, maize, fish and palm produce as examples of the community’s agricultural strength,” he said.

Ipokia LGA Amotekun Security 

On security, the chairman described Ipokia as one of the most peaceful local governments in the state, attributing the stability to strong community bonds and collaborative security arrangements.

Despite improved relations with customs authorities, the chairman urged the service to deepen its corporate social responsibility projects within border communities.

He cited interventions by Customs in other parts of the country such as the construction of schools and provision of water facilities, and called for similar development projects in Ipokia.

“If Niger Delta communities benefit because they have crude oil, then being a border community is our own crude,” Avoseh said, urging the Service to invest more in community development and youth employment.

Some youths who spoke with our correspondent expressed concern over sporadic gunshots that sometimes occurred during anti-smuggling operations in the past, saying such incidents often created fear and tension within the community.

Exploring tourism investment prospects in Ipokia

However, they commended the current Acting Controller Afeni for the confidence-building measures he has introduced, noting that such incidents have reduced significantly since he assumed office.

Responding to the concerns, Afeni said the Customs Service is already undertaking several development initiatives in the local government area.

He commended the Comptroller General of Customs for always thinking ahead stated the NCS has commenced the renovation and rebranding of Igiri High School in Ijofin, while a proposal for the construction of a borehole at Eleja Community High School is currently awaiting approval.

Afeni

He commended the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his forward-thinking leadership, noting that the NCS has already commenced the renovation and rebranding of Igiri High School in Ijofin, while a proposal for the construction of a borehole at Eleja Community High School is currently awaiting approval.

He also disclosed that the construction of a jetty in Ijofin community has been approved to improve water transportation linking the area with Badagry.

Afeni added that several youths from border communities are already employed within the Customs Service and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with residents.

On allegations of excessive force, he said any credible report involving officers would be thoroughly investigated and punishment meted out accordingly. On complaints of sporadic gunshots during enforcement operations, officers he said have been cautioned against that.

“Of course it will be sustained,” Afeni assured when asked about the improved calm in the area.