…As Afeni pledges deeper collaboration to boost importer/exporters confidence and commerce in Idiroko Border*
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc paid an official working visit to the Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko, reinforcing the strategic security and economic partnership between both agencies.
During the high-profile visit, the CP commended the controller for enhancing security and facilitating smooth trade at the nation’s borders. Since his assumption of office, CP said he had not received any crime complaints from Idiroko. He also emphasized that despite being one of Ogun State’s busiest border zones, Idiroko remains peaceful due to the strong security collaboration led by DC Afeni.
The CP praised the continuous support and the seamless synergy between police and customs personnel, commending the exceptional inter-agency collaboration and peace within the strategic Idiroko border corridor. CP Ojajuni lauded the exceptional professionalism and orderly security arrangements at the Idiroko-Igolo border, citing them as clear evidence of strong leadership and mutual trust. Recognizing the corridor’s vital economic importance, he commended the Customs Area Controller for fostering a cooperative atmosphere that has optimized regional security and minimized unnecessary checkpoints
In his response, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, Deputy Compt. Oladapo Afeni fsm, mniia appreciated the Commissioner for the visit and thanked all security agencies for maintaining cordial and productive working relationships.
He reiterated that while the Nigeria Customs Service is statutorily responsible for revenue generation, it also plays a critical role in trade facilitation, border security, and national economic development. He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to strengthening collaboration with all security agencies.
Emphasizing recent milestones, Afeni noted a joint “Show of Force” security operation conducted alongside Nigerian and Beninese counterparts. The initiative successfully demonstrated the unified strength and readiness of both nations to counter cross-border crime.
He explained that upon assuming office, he inherited multiple security checkpoints along the corridor but in a direct bid to streamline trade, the Joint Border Security Committee, under his leadership through sustained dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding with sister agencies has reduced checkpoints which significantly eliminating bottlenecks to ease movement, streamlined operations to improve efficiency, facilitate legitimate trade, and enhance security without compromising operational effectiveness as the Nigeria Customs Service was recently rated 100% in compliance with the Ease of Doing Business metrics, a testament to ongoing modernization and trade-friendly reforms.
Both heads of agencies concluded the visit by exchanging plaques reaffirming their shared commitment to maintaining an enabling environment for lawful commercial activities while safeguarding national security.
Zakari Chado
Deputy Superintendent of Customs
Public Relations Officer
Ogun, I Command
