Ogun I Customs Hosts Joint Forum to Strengthen Border Security
Idiroko, Ogun State — January 6, 2026
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has hosted a joint border security engagement aimed at strengthening regional security and promoting seamless cross-border trade along the Nigeria–Benin corridor.
The high-level stakeholders’ meeting, held on Tuesday at Idiroko, brought together heads of sister security agencies from Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, as well as other critical stakeholders involved in border management and trade facilitation.
Speaking at the forum, the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Oladapo Afeni, stated that his mandate as Chairman of the Joint Security Forum places priority on securing the border as a foundation for effective trade facilitation and sustainable revenue generation.
“My aim is to reappraise the security situation at the border in order to discuss issues impeding the smooth flow of trade and regional security,” he said.
DC Afeni noted that the participation of Beninese counterparts highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing shared border challenges. “Our counterparts from the Republic of Benin are here, so we are going to discuss issues affecting both sides, including the problem of multiple checkpoints,” he added.
He further explained that while security remains paramount, efficient cargo movement along border corridors can only be achieved through sustained collaboration among all relevant stakeholders. According to him, coordinated efforts are essential to balancing strict border control with the facilitation of legitimate trade.
Describing the Command’s outlook for the new year as promising, DC Afeni assured stakeholders that officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command are committed to surpassing previous operational achievements in 2026.
The engagement also featured an interactive session, during which participants identified key challenges and proposed practical solutions aimed at reducing travel time, enhancing border security, and improving business activities along the Idiroko border axis.
