Ogun Customs Records 266% Export Growth

The Ogun 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Idiroko, has recorded a 266 percent increase in export value in March 2026, reflecting improved trade facilitation and intensified anti-smuggling operations along the border corridor.

According to the commands’ public relations officer, Zakari Chado, said the Acting Customs Area, deputy comptroller of Customs, Oladapo Afeni, stated that export volume rose to 277.8 metric tonnes with a Free on Board (FOB) value of $383,100 in March 2026, compared with 20 metric tonnes valued at $104,600 in the corresponding period of 2025.

The Command attributed the growth to enhanced operational efficiency, stricter border surveillance, and intelligence-driven enforcement strategies that have reduced illegal trade while encouraging legitimate export activities.

Speaking on the development, the Acting Customs Area Controller, deputy comptroller Olukayode Afeni, said the Command’s dual focus on trade facilitation and enforcement has helped create a more conducive environment for exporters.

He noted that sustained anti-smuggling operations have strengthened the integrity of the export system and boosted confidence among legitimate traders operating within the corridor.

As part of these enforcement efforts, the Command intercepted 1,202 kegs of smuggled vegetable oil, valued at N120.2 million, during two operations conducted in March 2026. The seizures followed earlier interceptions of 2,539 kegs in March and 2,090 kegs in December 2025.

Afeni explained that removing such illicit goods from circulation helps protect local industries from unfair competition while supporting job creation within the domestic economy.

In another development, the Command handed over 285 sacks of mica stones valued at N104.7 million to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development after intercepting the minerals during an anti-smuggling operation.

The acting Customs area controller warned that the illegal export of solid minerals continues to pose a threat to national revenue and economic stability, emphasising the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration to tackle the problem.