Ogun CP Ojajuni, Compt Afeni Chart New Course For Collaboration At Idiroko Border
Ogun CP Ojajuni, Compt Afeni Chart New Course For Collaboration At Idiroko Border
…Compt Afeni assures stronger inter-agency partnership to rebuild trader confidence and drive commerce at Nigeria’s premier land border.
By Success Okezie
The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, on Tuesday played host to the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, in a strategic working visit aimed at strengthening security and boosting trade along the nation’s border corridor.
The visit underscored the growing partnership between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service in safeguarding the Idiroko axis — one of Ogun State’s busiest and most economically vital border points.
Speaking during the engagement, CP Ojajuni applauded the Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Oladapo Afeni, , for his proactive leadership in enhancing security and ensuring the smooth movement of goods and persons at the border.
“Since I assumed office, we have not received any crime report from Idiroko. This is remarkable, especially considering that Idiroko is one of the busiest border communities in Ogun State. The peace we are enjoying here is a direct result of the strong collaboration spearheaded by DC Afeni,” the CP said.
He further commended the seamless synergy and mutual support between Police and Customs personnel, describing the orderliness and professionalism at the Idiroko-Igolo border as a clear reflection of strong leadership and trust between both agencies
Acknowledging the corridor’s huge economic importance, CP Ojajuni praised the Customs Area Controller for fostering a cooperative environment that has improved regional security and reduced unnecessary checkpoints that often hinder legitimate trade.
In his response, the Ag. Customs Area Controller, DC Oladapo Afeni, thanked the Commissioner for the visit and appreciated all security agencies for sustaining cordial and productive working relationships in the area.
He noted that while revenue generation remains the core statutory mandate of the Service, Customs also plays a pivotal role in trade facilitation, border security, and national economic growth.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its commitment to collaborate with all security agencies. Our goal is to create an environment where lawful commerce can thrive while national security is adequately protected,” Afeni stated.
The Controller highlighted some of the Command’s recent achievements, including a joint “Show of Force” operation carried out with Nigerian and Beninese security agencies. According to him, the exercise sent a strong message about the readiness of both countries to confront cross-border crime.
Afeni also disclosed that upon assuming office, he met several checkpoints along the border corridor. However, through sustained dialogue under the Joint Border Security Committee, the Command, in collaboration with sister agencies, has successfully reduced the number of checkpoints.
“This deliberate action was taken to eliminate bottlenecks, ease the movement of goods and people, and improve operational efficiency. It has also helped to facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining high security standards,” he explained.
He added that these reforms have yielded positive results, as the Nigeria Customs Service was recently rated 100% compliant in the Ease of Doing Business metrics — a testament to the ongoing modernization and trade-friendly initiatives of the Service.
The visit ended with an exchange of plaques between CP Ojajuni and DC Afeni, reaffirming both agencies’ shared commitment to sustaining peace, enhancing security, and creating an enabling environment for importers, exporters, and other stakeholders at the Idiroko border.
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