The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with organizations, agencies and professional associations that share in its vision of enhancing national security, promoting legitimate trade and driving economic development.
Its Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Comptroller Olukayode Oladapo Afeni stated this when the new executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) paid him a courtesy visit at the command headquarters, Idiroko, Ogun State recently.
Afeni who has been a torn in the flesh of criminal elements, especially smugglers since his appointment by the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi last year stated that the NCS remains open to collaborations that will strengthen border management and support the Federal Government’s economic and security objectives.
While promising to collaborate with MARAN in the attainment of NCS set goals and objectives, Afeni stressed that the command would continue to secure Nigeria’s borders against the influx of illegal migrants and the perpetration of other trans-border crimes.
He maintained that this has become a priority in the command activities in view of Nigeria’s forthcoming 2027 general elections across the country.
The Acting CAC averred that maintaining effective border surveillance is critical to safeguarding national security and preventing criminal elements from exploiting the nation’s porous borders to carry out illicit trade.
He used the occasion to reiterate NCS commitment to facilitating legitimate trade and commerce while intensifying efforts against smugglers and importers and exporters of prohibited items through the borders.
His words: “We will continue to promote lawful trade and business activities but anyone involved in the importation of contraband, especially dangerous drugs capable of destroying lives and communities will face the full weight of the law.”
The Secretary General of MARAN, Mr. Fabian Anawo who led the delegation had earlier in his opening remarks described the association as one of the strongest media partners of NCS and other stakeholders in the maritime and blue economy sector.
He noted that MARAN has consistently provided platforms that foster dialogue, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagements through initiatives such as roundtable discussions, breakfast meetings and its annual lecture series.
Anawo who is a senior staff of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) explained that the visit was aimed at introducing the new executives of MARAN to NCS, Ogun 1 Area Command and exploring areas of mutual co-operation.
The MARAN Secretary General enjoined the command to leverage the association’s various engagement platforms to strengthen communication with border communities and other critical stakeholders.
Anawo used the occasion to present copies of MARAN’s recent publication, 50 Drivers of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy to the Customs Chief.
The visit also provided an opportunity to review the command’s recent achievements under Afeni’s leadership.
Maritime Bits had reported that Afeni who took the reins of office as Acting CAC, Ogun 1 Area Command on December 4, 2025, has overseen a series of anti-smuggling operations that have resulted in significant interceptions of items enumerated in the Import Prohibition List (IPL) and Export Prohibition List (EPL).
Under Afeni’s watch, the command has recorded more than 80 seizures of contraband, including artefacts, food products, hard drugs, petroleum products and other prohibited goods, with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) exceeding N11 billion.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that the seizures form part of ongoing efforts by NCS to combat smuggling, protect local industries, curb illicit trade and enhance national security along the Idiroko border corridor and beyond.
Already, some stakeholders have expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the media and NCS would contribute to improved public awareness, greater compliance with trade regulations and sustainable economic development of the country.
