The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Idiroko recorded a 266 percent increase in export value in March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This surge was attributed to enhanced trade facilitation measures and stronger enforcement against smuggling along the border corridor. Zakari Chado, the command's Public Relations Officer, stated that the Acting Customs Area Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Oladapo Afeni, confirmed the milestone. Improved clearance processes and surveillance systems were cited as key drivers of the growth. The command also reported a significant drop in illegal cross-border activities during the period. No breakdown of specific commodities or export destinations was provided.
A 266 percent export spike in one month raises immediate questions about previous underperformance, not just current success. If Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni's team can deliver this result now, what was missing before? This level of growth suggests that past inefficiencies at Idiroko were more about execution than infrastructure. For Nigerian traders, it may signal that faster, cleaner customs operations are possible—if sustained.
