President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned a N73 billion Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) operational complex in Iperu, Ogun State, in a move aimed at strengthening trade facilitation, enforcement, and revenue generation.

The facility, located in Ijebu North Local Government Area, will serve as the new base for the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’. It spans 142 buildings across a 100-hectare site and is designed to deliver international-standard capacity for customs operations, particularly within Lagos and the wider South-West corridor.

Speaking at the inauguration, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi said the complex would significantly enhance operational efficiency, improve officers’ welfare, and strengthen enforcement capabilities. He noted that the expansion is expected to support growing trade volumes while improving compliance and monitoring systems.

Adeniyi disclosed that the project is currently about 45 per cent complete and appealed for a review of aspects of the initial approval to ensure full completion within the current administration’s tenure.

He explained that all FOU operations in Lagos would eventually relocate to Iperu, citing the limitations of the long-standing Ikeja command and the need for a more strategic and spacious operational environment.

The new complex is expected to centralise enforcement and logistics operations across land, sea, and air channels. It will also house a customs training college, warehouse facilities, and other supporting infrastructure to strengthen institutional capacity.

According to Adeniyi, customs officers have already been deployed to the Ogun airport to manage cargo operations following recent federal approvals.

He commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for providing land for the project, and acknowledged former Comptroller-General Ahmed Alli for initiating the development.

Background

The commissioning comes amid rising revenue performance by the Nigeria Customs Service. Data shows that the Ogun II Area Command generated over N15 billion between January and April 2025, marking a 40 per cent increase from the N9 billion recorded in the same period of 2024.

At the national level, the NCS recorded N1.75 trillion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025, exceeding its target of N1.645 trillion by N106.5 billion. This represents a 29.96 per cent increase compared to N1.35 trillion recorded in Q1 2024.

A breakdown of the figures shows that January 2025 revenue stood at N647.88 billion, surpassing its target by 18.12 per cent and posting a 65.77 per cent year-on-year increase. February collections reached N540.11 billion, exceeding projections and recording a 19.97 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The development underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to decentralise key operations and strengthen trade infrastructure outside congested urban centres.

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