DC Olukayode Afeni Assumes Office As The Acting Customs Area Controller Of Ogun I Area Command
By Asuquo Nuwak
DC Olukayode Afeni Assumes Office As The Acting Customs Area Controller Of Ogun I Area Command
••• Pledges to strengthen stronger border security, and trade facilitation
Deputy Comptroller of Customs Olukayode Oladapo Afeni has taken over the mantle of leadership as the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command, following his appointment by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The handover ceremony took place on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the Command’s Headquarters in Idiroko.
A press statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, said the new Acting Area Controller has expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to advance ongoing reforms in trade facilitation, revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
DC Olukayode Oladepo Afeni, who acknowledged the unique operational challenges of the Ogun I Area Command, also described it as a strategic gateway to the national economy and a critical area of defence against illicit cross-border activities.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the command, who said it is a great honour to assume office at Ogun I command, also said he is fully aware of the vast and sensitive terrain of the command and its importance to national security, assuring that he will consolidate on the gains of his predecessor and drive continuous improvement in efficiency, enforcement, intelligence-led operations, stakeholder collaboration and community relations.
In short, he further expressed his commitment to deepening inter-agency cooperation, suppressing smuggling to the barest minimum, and prioritising the welfare and professional growth of officers under his leadership.
Besides, Deputy Comptroller Afeni, who is an accomplished administrator with nearly two decades in the Service, holds a B.Tech in Industrial Design from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a Master degree in diplomacy and strategic studies from the University of Lagos.
His professional training include conflict management, international negotiation, strategic leadership and rural border patrol operations. That is not all, he is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria.
Commenting during his farewell address, the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, who described his tenure as challenging and fulfilling, also announced the significant achievements recorded in curbing smuggling activities, enhancing trade facilitation and improving personnel welfare.
Meanwhile, he noted that the strengthened inter-agency collaboration under his leadership significantly boosted security within the command’s area of responsibility.
Furthermore, Comptroller Otunla said he is confident that DC Afeni will consolidate on his achievements and lead the command to greater heights.
He added that the transition underscores the Service’s renewed commitment to tackling smuggling, fortifying border security and safeguarding the expansive land borders under the Ogun I Command.
About The Author
