Revenue Surge: Comptroller Otunla Reports ₦23 Billion January Harvest

By Love Oyedokun

LAGOS, NIGERIA — In a significant move to bolster the synergy between the media and regulatory agencies, the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). This commitment was highlighted during a high-level courtesy visit by the association’s leadership to the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Customs Area Command on Tuesday, February 10, 2025.

MAJAN Executive visit Comptroller Otunla

Cablenews24 reports that the visit, which forms part of MAJAN’s ongoing “Engagement Tour,” served as a platform to bridge the gap between operational activities at the nation’s gateways and the public’s understanding of Customs’ mandate in revenue generation and national security.

Leading the delegation, the President of MAJAN, Mr. Jerry Agugbo, emphasized that the visit was a strategic move to consolidate a long-standing relationship with the Customs leadership. He noted that while the theater of operation might shift from seaports to airports, the core values of professionalism and patriotism remain constant within the Service.

“We are here to solidify a partnership that has been built over years of mutual respect and shared goals,” Agugbo stated. “Transitioning to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command does not change the essence of our mission. It is the same Customs Service, the same high level of professionalism, and the same commitment to the Nigerian economy. Our role as maritime journalists is to ensure that your stories—your successes, your challenges, and your milestones—are told accurately and reach the global stage.”

Agugbo further lauded the appointment of Comptroller Godwin Otunla to the Command, noting that his previous experience in the “trenches” of Nigeria’s land borders provided him with the tactical edge needed to manage the complexities of an international airport.

Responding to the delegation, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, provided a deep dive into the unique operational hurdles faced at the airport. Unlike land borders where physical concealment in vehicles is common, airport smuggling often takes the form of “documentary fraud.”

“At the airport, everything enters with an airway bill,” Otunla explained. “The challenge we face is the misuse of these documents. We see cases of concealment and the ‘bunching’ of high-value items under a single, misleading declaration to evade proper duties. This is smuggling in a different suit.”

To combat this, Otunla revealed that the Command has inaugurated specialized internal committees and intelligence-driven mechanisms. He sent a clear warning to terminal operators and agents, noting that accountability would be strictly enforced. “We are holding terminal operators responsible for the integrity of the cargo in their sheds. Where compliance fails, we will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law, including the enforcement of bonds,” he added.

Perhaps the most striking highlight of the engagement was the disclosure of the Command’s fiscal performance. Comptroller Otunla presented a data-driven picture of exponential growth, attributing the success to a combination of officer discipline and the plugging of revenue leakages.

The revenue figures shared by the CAC tell a story of consistent upward mobility:

• January 2024: ₦14 Billion
• January 2025: ₦16 Billion
• January 2026: ₦23 Billion

This jump to ₦23 billion in the first month of 2026 represents a massive leap in collection efficiency. Otunla credited this to the “committed officers” he inherited and a culture of transparency that discourages under-declaration.

Reflecting on his career, Comptroller Otunla shared insights from his time at the Idiroko border, often regarded as one of the most volatile and challenging postings in the country. He described the fierce resistance from smugglers and the high-stakes operations required to intercept exotic vehicles and contraband in hostile environments.

“Idiroko prepares you for anything,” Otunla remarked. “The lessons learned there—vigilance, intelligence gathering, and firm enforcement—are exactly what we are applying here at the airport. Whether it is a bush path or a runway, the objective remains the same: protect the federation’s revenue and prevent harmful items from entering our communities.”

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Despite the “tough cop” stance against smugglers, Otunla was quick to remind stakeholders that the Nigeria Customs Service remains, at its core, a trade-facilitating agency. He emphasized that the Command’s doors are always open to “honest traders” and compliant clearing agents.

“We are here to facilitate trade, but only when that trade is genuine,” he clarified. “Our advice to the importing public is simple: ask questions. Do not rely on hearsay. Seek clarification from Customs before you commit your funds to an import. We are here to guide you through the legal requirements so that your business can thrive without friction.”

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose between the media and the Command. MAJAN pledged to continue its role as a watchdog and a partner, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the importance of duty payments and the dangers of smuggling.

As Comptroller Otunla continues his drive for sustained revenue growth and operational integrity, the support of a professional press corps like MAJAN ensures that the Murtala Muhammed Airport Customs Area Command remains a shining example of efficiency in Nigeria’s quest for economic stability.

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