Esther Komolafe

In a ceremony marked by respect and anticipation, Comptroller Godwin Otunla assumed office as the new Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, Nigeria's premier aviation hub. In his inaugural address, Otunla paid tribute to his predecessor, Comptroller MT AWE, who is retiring after distinguished service, and outlined his vision for the Command. "I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service delivery," he declared. Key Priorities: Trade Facilitation: Streamlining cargo clearance and enhancing efficiency Revenue Protection:  Safeguarding government revenue with renewed vigor Anti-Corruption: Zero tolerance for corruption and compromise Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with…

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service has ended the year on a high note, with Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe announcing a staggering ₦179.91 billion revenue generation, surpassing its annual target and outperforming the previous year's figures by over 9%. Highlights: Revenue Generation: ₦179.91 billion, exceeding annual target Enforcement Operations: Seizures worth ₦7.2 billion, including contraband and prohibited items Stakeholder Engagement :Improved relationships with clearing agents, partner agencies, and traders Leadership: Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi's guidance credited for Command's success Comptroller Awe attributed the Command's success to its culture of integrity, accuracy, and vigilance, as well…

The Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) has announced new management appointments and special promotions, effective immediately, following its 64th Regular Meeting on November 25, 2025. New Appointments: - Five Deputy Comptroller-Generals of Customs (DCGs):     - Baba Imam (North-East)     - Isah Umar (North-West)     - Tijjani Abe (North-West)     - Timi Bomodi (South-South)     - Oluyomi Adebakin (South-West) - Eight Assistant Comptroller-Generals of Customs (ACGs):     - C.G. Ogbonna (South-East)     - I. Abba-Aji (North-East)     - G.M. Haruna (South-South)     - E.J. Edelduok (South-South)     - G. Gaura…

The Comptroller-General of Customs,  Dr Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, has announced that the Nigeria Customs Service will be conducting mandatory drug tests for all incoming recruits and serving officers. This move is aimed at ensuring a drug-free institution and maintaining the integrity of the Service. Mandatory Drug Test: All incoming recruits and serving officers will be required to undergo a drug test Objective: To prevent substance abuse and ensure sound judgment among officers Scope: Applies to all officers and men across all Zones, Commands, and Headquarters Reasoning: To address instances of erratic behavior and poor decision-making linked to substance misuse CGC…

The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against wildlife trafficking, intercepting a lion cub and two Patas monkeys being smuggled to Benin Republic. The animals were discovered in a blue Mazda vehicle with registration number MUS 743 HA during a stop-and-search operation at Gbaji, along the Badagry-Seme Expressway . The two suspects, Mr. Mathew Kofi, a Beninese national, and Mr. Nasiru Usman Gwandu, a Nigerian, claimed ownership of the animals and confessed to purchasing them in Kano for export. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, reaffirmed the Command's commitment to…

BREAKING: Access Bank Resolves Customs Glitch, Restores Transaction Services Access Bank Plc has announced the restoration of its customs transaction services, bringing relief to clearing agents and importers at Lagos ports who were affected by a temporary disruption earlier this week. The bank's statement explained that the issue, caused by a connectivity problem between its network and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) system, was fully resolved on November 12, 2025 . The disruption, which occurred between November 10 and 12, 2025, had hindered payment processing and related transactions via the ACCESS PAY (B’ODOGWU) platform, leaving cargoes trapped at the ports…

The Nigeria Customs Service has introduced a simplified cargo clearance framework under its One Stop Shop (OSS) initiative, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and trade facilitation across the nation's ports. How OSS Works: - Importers file declarations through the Bodobo platform - Customs Processing Center (CPC) evaluates submissions against risk parameters - Joint review by Customs units, including valuation, intelligence, and physical examination - Digital authorization for cargo release and exit - Dispute resolution within 14 hours, with escalation reducing timelines to 48 hours Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Mohammed Babadende, emphasized the importance of sincere declaration by importers…

A human rights organization, GTI Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has expressed its unwavering support for Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, a naval officer embroiled in a land dispute with the FCT Minister. The group's chairman, Mr. Bibi Oduku, stated that Lieutenant Yerima was acting within his lawful duties and did not use insulting language towards the Minister. The organization commends the Minister of Defence, Mr. Mohammad Abubakar, for upholding Lieutenant Yerima's rights and calls on the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to handle the matter with discretion and engage in dialogue with the Former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Command has strengthened its anti-corruption alliance with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Lagos, seeking deeper intelligence sharing and compliance drive. This collaboration aims to boost national revenue and reduce graft vulnerabilities within the port ecosystem. Highlights: Intelligence Sharing: ICPC and NCS will share intelligence to combat corruption and improve revenue collection. Preventive Measures: Both agencies will work together to identify and address systemic loopholes that pose corruption risks. Compliance Drive: NCS and ICPC will collaborate on compliance initiatives, including training and seminars for officers. Transparency: NCS Apapa Command will…

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a staggering 1,000 kilograms of cocaine worth N29.4 billion at the Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) in Lagos. This marks the first time PTML has made such a significant drug seizure, and it's considered one of the most mysterious cocaine interceptions in NCS history . The discovery was made on October 7, 2025, during a routine disinfection of 39 empty containers brought in for export loading. Comptroller Joe Anani, Customs Area Controller of PTML Command, revealed that the container, numbered GCNU1332851, was flagged by PTML terminal operators due…