The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday marked a landmark operational milestone as its Compliance Team, led by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) M.O. Lawal, emerged the standout performer at the 2025 Idiroko Customs Gala and Awards Night, clinching five major honours and underscoring the Command’s record-breaking seizure achievements.
Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, said the annual awards ceremony was designed to recognise excellence, motivate officers and promote healthy competition within the Service.
According to Afeni, the awards were transparently determined based on measurable performance indicators, including the highest number of seizures, highest value of seizures, and record interceptions of contraband items such as vehicles, rice and other prohibited goods. “We use this platform to recognise officers who have distinguished themselves in their assigned duties and to encourage others to put in more effort. The process was very transparent. One officer and his team emerged outstanding because they recorded the highest number of seizures, the most valuable seizures and the highest number of vehicles intercepted,” Afeni said.
He added that several high-profile seizures earlier paraded at a press briefing, including foreign spaghetti and vegetable oil, were credited to the award-winning Compliance Team. The Area Controller noted that the initiative, introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, PhD, was also aimed at promoting work-life balance among officers.
“After working hard, officers need time to unwind. This initiative has helped officers relax, and we are already seeing improved productivity and better job performance,” he said.
Looking ahead, Afeni described 2026 as a “deal-breaker year,” revealing that strategies were already being implemented to reposition Ogun I not only as a strong enforcement command but also as a major revenue-generating zone. He also charged junior officers to remain disciplined and dedicated, stressing that excellence comes with tangible rewards.
“One of our officers won ‘Best in Guard Duty’ and has now been exempted from guard duty as a reward. This is to motivate others to perform better and earn similar privileges,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Awards Committee, Deputy Comptroller Yusuf, said the selection process was rigorous, fair and transparent, describing the performance of coordinators, Officers-in-Charge (OICs) and patrol leaders in 2025 as exceptional.
“Tonight is not just about celebrating winners; it is about setting a new benchmark. Despite unprecedented challenges across our vast land borders, officers of Ogun I Command have demonstrated professionalism, innovation and resilience,” Yusuf said.
He urged officers to see the awards as motivation to push performance boundaries in the coming year, noting that the ceremony aligns with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which emphasises professionalism and accountability.
Patrol Team with Highest Number of Seizures: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Patrol Team with Highest Value of Seizures: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Team with Highest Seizures of Foreign Vehicles: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Team with Highest Seizures of Rice: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Single Highest Duty Paid Value Seizure: Compliance Team – CSC M.O. Lawal; Highest Seizures of Narcotics: Roving Team B – AC A.A. Dalhatu; Most Gallant Patrol Team: Rapid Response Squad B – CSC I. Eze; Best Outstation of the Year: Ijounbe Outstation – AC Ogunjobi; Highest Seizures of Tyres: Roving Team C – AC E.K. Onyeasor; Highest Seizures of PMS: Anti-Bunkering Team C – CSC A.O. Titcomb; Highest Seizures of Arms and Ammunition: Operation SEAT – SC G.O. Sanni.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, CSC M.O. Lawal commended the support of sister security agencies and praised his team for their dedication, discipline and professionalism. “Leadership is about knowing your officers, training them and leading by example. What you see today is a product of teamwork and commitment,” he said, expressing confidence that his team would return stronger in 2026.
The colourful gala night brought together Customs officers, traditional leaders, sister agencies and stakeholders, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to excellence, transparency and operational effectiveness.
