New Leadership at Ogun 1: Afeni Assumes Command, Vows Stronger Enforcement and Trade Facilitation
Kathy Kyari
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, has appointed Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olukayode Afeni as the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Ogun 1 Command, signaling a renewed push for enhanced border security and anti-smuggling operations at one of Nigeria’s busiest land borders.
The formal handover from Comptroller Godwin Otunla took place on Thursday, 4 December 2025, at the Command Headquarters in Idiroko, marking a smooth transition of leadership.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSC Zakari Chado.
In his inaugural address, Deputy Comptroller Afeni thanked the Comptroller General for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to build on the Command’s achievements in trade facilitation, revenue collection, and anti-smuggling efforts.
“It is a great honour to assume the leadership of Ogun 1. I am fully aware of the unique operational environment of the command, with its vast borders. I am also aware of the strategic importance of this command to the national economy and border security,” he said.
“I assure you to consolidate the gains already recorded by my predecessor and pursue continuous improvement in the area of efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholders collaboration and community relations.”
Afeni also vowed to deepen inter-agency cooperation, suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, and prioritise personnel welfare and professional development.
A seasoned officer with nearly two decades of service, Afeni holds a B.Tech in Industrial Design from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos.
His training includes courses in conflict management, international negotiation, strategic leadership, and rural border patrol operations. He is a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and a fellow of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria Chartered.
In his farewell remarks, outgoing Area Controller Otunla described his tenure as “challenging yet fulfilling,” noting that the Command made significant progress in curbing smuggling, enhancing trade facilitation, and improving personnel welfare.
“I am confident that DC Afeni will consolidate the gains and lead the Command to greater heights,” Otunla said.
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