The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it is shifting from traditional border patrol operations to a technology-driven enforcement system as authorities intensify efforts to combat smuggling and transborder crimes.

The Command announced the transition during a press briefing in Idiroko on Tuesday, where officials also unveiled seizures worth more than ₦6.7bn recorded within 41 days.

Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni, said the Command had entered “a new era of digital enforcement” through the deployment of geospatial technology and intelligence-led operations across border corridors.

According to Customs, the seizures included more than 10,000 parcels of cannabis indica, foreign rice, vegetable oil, petrol, expired food products, and other prohibited imports.

Why the crackdown matters

The development highlights Nigeria’s growing reliance on digital surveillance and intelligence gathering to tackle smuggling networks operating along porous border communities.

Customs officials say the strategy is designed to strengthen border security while reducing delays for legitimate businesses and cross-border trade operators.

Afeni said the reforms align with the modernization agenda introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“This transition marks a fundamental shift from traditional patrolling to intelligence-led operations,” Afeni said.

He explained that the Command was moving away from heavy stop-and-search patrols and adopting surveillance systems capable of identifying smuggling hotspots and tracking illegal trade routes in real time.

Officials say the system is also expected to improve transparency and reduce operational bottlenecks for traders.

Major seizures recorded

The Ogun I Area Command said it recorded 73 seizures within five weeks through intelligence-led patrols and surveillance operations.

The intercepted items included:

10,126 parcels of cannabis indica weighing about 4,627kg

1,759 bags of foreign parboiled rice

2,685 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil

14,550 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)

77 cartons of Analgin injection without NAFDAC approval

50 cartons of expired Maggi seasoning

66 bales of second-hand clothing

205 packs of footwear

16 cartons of organic honey

Six live pangolins

The Command said the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures stood at ₦6.77bn.

Customs officials estimated that the cannabis haul alone had a street value exceeding ₦5bn.

Afeni said several interceptions were made along the Shagamu Interchange and Ogere axis, areas authorities identified as major smuggling corridors.

Concerns over drug trafficking and insecurity

Customs warned that rising narcotics trafficking poses increasing risks to public safety and national security.

According to Afeni, the Ogun I Area Command has intercepted 26,002 parcels of cannabis since January 2026.

He said the seizures were not merely enforcement statistics but part of broader efforts to curb criminal activities linked to drug abuse.

“The rise in drug abuse poses serious threats to national security and public health,” Afeni warned.

The Customs official linked narcotics trafficking to crimes including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and terrorism.

Security analysts have repeatedly identified Nigeria’s border communities as vulnerable transit routes for illicit drugs and smuggled goods due to weak surveillance infrastructure and organized smuggling syndicates.

Trade facilitation and revenue generation

Beyond anti-smuggling operations, Customs says the digital enforcement system is also improving trade facilitation.

The Command disclosed that between March 16 and May 12, 2026, it generated ₦125.4m through baggage assessments and auction sales of seized petroleum products.

Officials also said the Command facilitated the export of 95 metric tonnes of goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value exceeding ₦1bn.

Afeni said complaints about multiple checkpoints along trade routes had reduced significantly.

“We are not just catching smugglers; we are clearing the path for honest businesses,” he said.

The Command added that its operations were being aligned with the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards, which promotes secure and efficient global trade.

Inter-agency collaboration

The Ogun I Area Command credited its recent successes to intelligence-sharing and collaboration with other security agencies.

Afeni commended the support of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the Command would continue leveraging technology, intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle illicit trade networks operating around Nigeria’s borders.

Industry and public perspective

Trade experts say the success of digital customs enforcement could help Nigeria reduce revenue leakages while improving investor confidence in cross-border commerce.

However, analysts note that long-term success will depend on sustained investment in border technology, personnel training, and regional intelligence cooperation.

Border communities and transport operators have also frequently raised concerns about the economic impact of smuggling activities and security threats along transit routes.

What’s next?

Customs authorities say the next phase of reforms will focus on expanding surveillance capabilities, strengthening intelligence gathering, and improving trade efficiency.

The agency says it aims to create a system that balances strict border enforcement with easier movement for compliant businesses and exporters.

Rite Foods Limited has celebrated Mother’s Day by recognising the contributions of women and mothers whose daily efforts continue to shape homes, workplaces, and communities across Nigeria.

The food and beverage company said this year’s celebration was aimed at honouring the “strength, resilience, sacrifice, and nurturing spirit” of women, including female employees who balance professional responsibilities with motherhood.

Mother’s Day was observed globally on Sunday, May 10, with organisations, families, and public figures paying tribute to mothers and caregivers.

Rite Foods said the occasion highlights the often unseen role women play in supporting family life, raising children, and contributing to economic and social development.

Why It Matters

Across Nigeria, women continue to play a significant role in both the formal and informal economy, while also carrying much of the responsibility for caregiving and household management.

Workplace inclusion and support for women have become increasingly important topics for businesses, especially as companies seek to improve gender representation, employee wellbeing, and work-life balance.

Rite Foods said recognising women’s contributions goes beyond celebration and reflects the need for more supportive and inclusive work environments.

Company Leadership Praises Women’s Contributions

Speaking on the significance of Mother’s Day, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rite Foods, Seleem Adegunwa, described mothers as one of society’s “greatest pillars”.

“Mothers embody strength, selflessness, resilience, and love. They are builders of families, shapers of values, and drivers of progress,” he said.

“Their ability to give endlessly, nurture consistently, and rise above challenges deserves not just recognition, but deep appreciation and celebration. At Rite Foods, we are proud to honour women and mothers whose contributions continue to inspire excellence every day.”

The company said it remains committed to creating an inclusive workplace where women can grow professionally while balancing career and family responsibilities.

Everyday Family Moments at the Centre of the Campaign

Rite Foods also linked the celebration to the role women play in creating everyday family experiences, from preparing meals and school routines to moments of refreshment and bonding at home.

The company said its products, including Bigi soft drinks, Fearless energy drinks, and its sausage brands, are designed to support “refreshing, convenient, and memorable moments” for families.

Corporate Affairs Team Highlights Women’s Resilience

The Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, Ekuma Eze, also praised women within and outside the organisation.

“The strength of women and mothers is extraordinary. Their resilience, patience, compassion, and ability to hold families together while excelling professionally are truly inspiring,” Eze said.

“At Rite Foods, we celebrate women not only for what they do, but for who they are, the backbone of families, the heartbeat of communities, and a vital force in nation-building.”

Industry and Public Perspective

Gender inclusion advocates say more Nigerian companies are increasingly using global observances such as Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day to promote conversations around workplace equality, employee welfare, and family-friendly policies.

Business analysts also note that companies with stronger diversity and inclusion policies often benefit from improved employee retention, productivity, and brand reputation.

For many working mothers, balancing career demands with caregiving responsibilities remains a major challenge, particularly in sectors with limited flexible work arrangements.

What’s Next?

As conversations around women’s empowerment and workplace inclusion continue, corporate organisations are expected to face growing pressure to translate public celebrations into long-term policies that support women’s professional advancement and wellbeing.

Analysts say issues such as maternity support, equal opportunities, leadership representation, and flexible work arrangements are likely to remain key areas of focus for Nigerian employers.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional Customs modernisation, digital trade systems, and cross-border cooperation during the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The two-day conference, held from 7 to 8 May 2026, brought together Customs leaders from across West and Central Africa to discuss trade facilitation, border security, and economic integrat

Adeniyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, said Nigeria’s leadership role within the region is built on collective responsibility rather than individual authority.

“This chairmanship is not mine. It belongs to the region that sent me,” Adeniyi declared.

“Anytime I take the chair, I take it on behalf of every administration represented in this hall. That is the truth of it, and that is the spirit in which I serve.”

Why the Conference Matters

The conference comes at a time when African countries are accelerating efforts to modernise Customs systems to support regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Officials at the summit focused heavily on digital transformation, intelligence-sharing, and harmonised border procedures aimed at reducing illicit trade while improving legitimate commerce across the region.

The conference theme, “A Customs Service that Protects Society Through its Vigilance and Commitment” reflected growing concerns about smuggling, transnational crimes, and weak border systems in parts of Africa.

Delegates agreed that stronger Customs collaboration is becoming increasingly important as regional trade expands under AfCFTA.

Nigeria’s Role in Regional Modernisation

Adeniyi highlighted what he described as the WCA region’s culture of inclusivity and rotational leadership, saying every member state has an equal role in shaping regional Customs policies.

“Our region has a quiet but powerful tradition. Every member, big or small, takes its turn,” he said.

“The right to host is not negotiated. We pass the baton from one capital to the next, and in the passing, we remind ourselves of who we are.”

He added that the region’s unity has helped strengthen cooperation among member states on trade and security issues.

The Nigeria Customs Service has in recent years intensified reforms around automation, intelligence-led enforcement, and digital trade systems.

Industry analysts say such reforms are critical for reducing delays at African ports and improving revenue generation across the continent.

Sierra Leone Unveils Digital Customs Plans

During the conference, Sierra Leone’s Finance Ministry unveiled plans to modernise the country’s Customs infrastructure through upgrades to ASYCUDA World and the introduction of a Single Window Customs and Ports Community System.

Officials also announced plans for product tracing and fiscal integrity systems aimed at monitoring excisable goods and curbing revenue leakages.

The President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, officially opened the conference.

He stressed the importance of regional collaboration in improving border management, trade facilitation, and economic integration across West and Central Africa.

Focus on Digital Trade and Border Security

One of the conference’s major discussion points was the implementation of digital trade frameworks, including the ECOWAS SIGMAT transit system and Single Window platforms designed to streamline Customs procedures.

Delegates also examined how African countries can better balance free trade with stronger border protection measures.

Participants agreed that real-time information sharing and coordinated intelligence operations are essential for tackling smuggling and organised transnational crimes.

Experts at the conference noted that weak border systems continue to cost African economies billions of dollars annually through illicit trade and revenue losses.

Leadership Changes Announced

The conference also saw the election of the Central African Republic as the new Vice Chair for the WCO West and Central Africa Region.

The country succeeds Mali, which completed its two-year tenure in the role.

Industry Perspective

Trade and logistics experts say regional Customs harmonisation could significantly improve the movement of goods across Africa.

Analysts believe that modern digital Customs systems may help reduce port congestion, improve transparency, and boost investor confidence in regional trade corridors.

However, they also warn that implementation challenges, infrastructure gaps, and varying national policies could slow progress.

What Happens Next?

The resolutions reached during the conference are expected to shape regional Customs policies in the coming years, particularly around automation, trade intelligence, and AfCFTA implementation.

For Nigeria, the discussions align closely with the Nigeria Customs Service’s ongoing push toward smarter border systems and technology-driven enforcement operations.