By Oluyinka Onigbinde
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commissioned the newly constructed Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ headquarters of the Nigeria Customs Service in Iperu, Ogun State, in a move seen as a significant step toward strengthening enforcement capacity and institutional development within the Service.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising customs operations while improving the welfare and working conditions of officers.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the new facility was part of a broader expansion strategy aimed at addressing operational pressures and aligning the Service’s infrastructure with its growing responsibilities.
According to him, the relocation from Ikeja, Lagos, became imperative due to space constraints and the increasing demands of enforcement, revenue generation, and trade facilitation.
“We’ve just commissioned the Federal Operations Unit, and movement into this facility will commence shortly. It is fully furnished with all the necessary accessories required for efficient operations,” Adeniyi stated.
He explained that the complex is equipped with modern features, including a standard armoury, while a warehouse located directly opposite the facility is designed to complement existing storage infrastructure, particularly supporting operations at the nearby aviation village.
The Customs boss noted that the development aligns with the Service’s broader reform agenda, which seeks to balance its core mandates with enhanced staff welfare, adding that improved working environments are critical to operational efficiency.
Adeniyi also revealed that the Customs Service has already commenced activities at the adjoining cargo airport, which was equally commissioned by President Tinubu. He disclosed that officers were actively involved in cargo handling processes, including tallying during the offloading of the first shipment witnessed by the President.
“We are already operational at the airport. Our officers participated in the handling of the first cargo, and the necessary facilities have been provided to support our activities there,” he said.
Highlighting the scale of the project, Adeniyi disclosed that the expansive site is expected to host about 142 structures, including a training college, multipurpose halls, and a sports complex, reflecting the Service’s long-term vision for capacity building and institutional growth.
On funding, he noted that the initial project estimate stood at ₦73 billion, but acknowledged that prevailing economic realities may require a reassessment of costs.
The CGC commended the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for his support and collaboration in facilitating the project, while also recognising the contributions of his predecessor, Hameed Ali, whom he credited with initiating the development.
Industry stakeholders have described the commissioning as a landmark achievement that will not only enhance enforcement operations in the South-West zone but also improve logistics coordination, particularly with the integration of the cargo airport.
The new FOU ‘A’ complex is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening anti-smuggling operations, boosting trade efficiency, and positioning the Nigeria Customs Service for greater effectiveness in a rapidly evolving maritime and logistics environment.
