President Bola Tinubu has commissioned a N73 billion new office complex for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, in Iperu, Ogun State, as part of the agency's efforts to expand operational capacity and improve working conditions for personnel.
Speaking at the commissioning of the facility, along with the Customs Training College and warehouse, Tinubu said it will enhance the operation of the NCS, modernise its infrastructure and improve efficiency in line with Nigeria's growing trade and logistics demands.
He said it will also aid in curbing smuggling and facilitate legitimate trade in the Southwest zone of the country.
Also speaking, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr Bashir Adeniyi, said the relocation from the congested Ikeja facility in Lagos was driven by the need to balance the Service's core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement with improved welfare for officers.
He added that the new complex will strengthen Customs' role in supporting emerging trade infrastructure, including export processing and cargo handling operations linked to nearby aviation facilities.
He stressed that the former base in Ikeja has become overstretched due to the significant growth in the size, scope and responsibilities of the Service.
"We needed a bigger and more conducive environment to accommodate our expanding operations. The new site offers sufficient space to support current and future activities," he stated.
According to Adeniyi, the newly commissioned facility is equipped with modern operational infrastructure, including a furnished office complex, a warehouse located opposite the main building, and a planned modern armory.
He said the project, initially estimated at about N73 billion, remains ongoing, with only about 45 per cent completed.
Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is seeking presidential approval to revise the project cost to reflect current economic realities and ensure its completion within the tenure of the present administration.
Adeniyi credited the Ogun State Government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, for providing over 50 hectares of land for the development, as well as supporting the Service with critical infrastructure required for seamless operations.
The Customs boss also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor in securing the land and initiating the project.
He said the site is also strategically positioned near an aviation village and an existing Customs training college, enhancing its operational relevance.
On Customs' readiness for operations at the airport, Adeniyi said officers are already deployed across key areas, including the tarmac and terminal and have been actively involved in cargo handling processes.
"We are already on ground. The facilities provided meet our operational requirements, and we are confident of seamless Customs operations as cargo and international flight activities commence," he said.