Customs’ Afeni Blocks Smuggling Routes, Tightens Enforcement In Lagos — Timothy Paul Okorocha

Eight months ago when power started tilting towards the ranks of Deputy Comptrollers to take full charge of the Commands nationwide and consequent upon the fading out of the old brigades; it went viral that a man who has been groomed thoroughly in anti-smuggling and Enforcement operations, who is of the tribes of the 2009 sets was primed to ascend the helm at the Federal Operations Unit, zone A.

‎In a last minute calculus, the comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi moved the pendulum in favour of Gambo Aliyu -a polished gentleman who came and made a huge difference until two weeks ago when he hit the statutory retirement age and warmly exited.

In the chase game that ensued, the star again shone and 8 months prediction came to pass when two weeks ago, the lot fell on him with his appointment by the 001 to go and prove his mettle at the prestigious flagship Unit of Customs in zone A, Lagos.

The Federal Operations Unit in Lagos is known as the Policeman of the Customs Service. It is the hub of enforcement operations, trade facilitation with immense oversight functions on other Commands in the Western zone.

It ensures a lot of checks and balance on devious importers as well as compromised officers in the chain of trade and imports businesses.

Two weeks hence, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Olukayode Afeni has kept no one in doubt of his road map, where his taking the Unit to, and what stakeholders are billed for in the new Customs deal. In what looks like a riot act, Afeni has enlisted the support of Industry Operators to shun illicit trade, go the way of legal trade facilitation for the economic benefit of the nation.

Since his ascension to office, the man is not smiling at all. Reports confirm he has blocked all the identified smuggling routes. A common refrain by smugglers and some disgruntled officers who aid them say “there is no work now”, meaning their means of livelihood in their usual smuggling business has been threatened since he came on board.

Releasing officers at the various port commands in Lagos are now wary and on panic mode as they have been flagged with the consequences that will befall them if they connive with importers to release uncustomed goods. Petroleum and drugs smugglers are worst hit as the illegal routes in Idiroko/Ogun/Seme axis, Oyo corridors are now more than ever policed by the re-invigorated FOU ‘A’.

Having superintended over the Ogun I command in Idiroko, the Acting Controller knows the nooks and crannies where illicit trade is thriving and has acquired the capacity to nip it in the bud. To show the measure of power in the office, his taking over was unique in the history of the Service as more than three Acting Area controllers came in solidarity.

Even though, they are some of his squadmates, their presence was respectful and a solidarity he requires to excel in his new responsibility.

Deputy Comptrollers Nura Miko, of PTML, Ibrahim of Idiroko and Behora of the Enugu/Anambra/Eboyin Commands, all paid their homage. Even his predecessor, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo described Afeni as competent, disciplined and loyal officer. Afeni has stated that he will pursue intelligence-led enforcement, block revenue leakages and protect Nigeria’s Economic and security interests in his new office.

‎In doing this, he has deposed that enforcement activities will be “firm, respectful of human dignity”, while legitimate trade would be facilitated through constructive engagement with traders, manufacturers, importers, exporters, Customs brokers and other stakeholders.

‎Tested and trusted, Afeni, the anti-smuggling expert has proved himself at the Idiroko Command where he made seizure to the tune of more more than N14.750 billion in 8 months with revenue standing at N896,539,138.00 as against the N545,348,440.12 of its given target, made between January and August this year.

One of his squadmates, an Assistant Comptroller described Afeni as highly detribalised. “He does not compromise and can never be partial. ‘As friends, we understand our limits; he is a man that has repulsive nature for corrupt acts. A sound officer who accommodates; above all, he is civilized and highly sophisticated.

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