The Nigeria Customs Service is putting finishing touches to plans for the relocation of its Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone ‘A’, Lagos which currently operates from its Ikeja, Lagos office to Iperu in Ogun State.

This follows the recent inauguration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the new office complex constructed by the Service at the cost of N73billion for its Federal Operations Unit FOU, Zone ‘A’. The new complex, located in the Iperu area of the state, was inaugurated alongside the newly built Ogun State Cargo Airport.

The complex hosts about 142 buildings, comprising a training college, multipurpose halls, and a sports complex, signposts the Service’s long-term plan for modernisation and institutional reforms and development.

Comptroller-General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who spoke shortly after the inauguration, said the project is a reflection of the Service’s commitment to strengthening its core responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement, while also improving the welfare and working conditions of its workforce.

He said: “This new complex, which is fully equipped and ready for use, became necessary due to increasing operational demands and limited space at the existing office in Ikeja, Lagos.

“The Federal Operations Unit will relocate here as soon as possible. The facility has been fully furnished with all necessary equipment installed to ensure smooth operations.

“It also includes a modern armoury, and a warehouse located directly opposite the complex to support operations, including those at the nearby aviation village.”

The Comptroller-General commended the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, for his support in the relocation project.

He also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd), for initiating the project and laying the foundation for its completion.

The CGC further disclosed that the project was initially estimated at ₦73 billion, but may be reviewed due to current economic realities.

According to him, the Service has already commenced operations at the new cargo airport in the state, as officers of the Service were actively involved in cargo handling and terminal activities.

“We are already operating at the airport. Our officers were on ground to handle the first cargo offloading witnessed by the President.