Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Customs Service’s Ogun II Area Command generated ₦7.58bn in revenue in October 2026, representing a 75 per cent increase in collections, as its acting area controller, DC DI Ituma, called on officers to strengthen discipline, professionalism and accountability.
Ituma made the call during his maiden parade address at the command headquarters in Abeokuta, where he formally introduced his leadership vision and outlined expectations for personnel.
He commended officers for their dedication, commitment and sacrifices towards the advancement of the service, urging them to sustain their contributions to its statutory responsibilities.
Speaking on the command’s revenue performance, the acting controller described the October figure as commendable and called for sustained efforts to improve collections without undermining trade facilitation and national security.
He urged officers to strengthen monitoring mechanisms, ensure accurate declarations, prevent revenue leakages and identify legitimate opportunities for increased revenue generation.
Ituma said revenue collection was a collective responsibility that required diligence, integrity and commitment from all personnel.
To encourage excellence and healthy competition, he announced the introduction of the Controller’s Award for Outstanding Officers in the command. The award will recognise exceptional performance in trade facilitation, revenue generation, neatness and discipline.
He said a committee would be established to coordinate the awards and develop transparent selection criteria.
The committee would also oversee and monitor factories under the command to improve operational supervision, ensure compliance with established procedures and provide feedback and recommendations.
On capacity development, Ituma announced plans for in-house training, particularly in excise procedures and free trade zone operations, to improve officers’ technical knowledge and operational competence.
He encouraged personnel to take advantage of the programmes and embrace continuous professional development.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining accurate personal and payroll records, resolving discrepancies through appropriate administrative channels and complying with regulations governing official movements and travel passes.
The acting controller described discipline as fundamental to the effective functioning of a paramilitary organisation, saying it must be reflected in officers’ appearance, punctuality, conduct, respect for constituted authority and commitment to assigned duties.
He warned that indiscipline, negligence and actions capable of bringing the service into disrepute would not be tolerated, adding that all officers, irrespective of rank, must adhere to the service’s rules and regulations.
Ituma further urged personnel to demonstrate responsibility and accountability, noting that rank came with corresponding obligations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to recognising outstanding performance, promoting professional development and maintaining discipline and integrity across the command.
The acting controller expressed confidence that unity, professionalism and collective commitment would improve the command’s operational efficiency and position it as a model of discipline and performance.
He urged officers to remain focused on the service’s core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling operations, while protecting the country’s economic and security interests.
