Revenue and National Security: MMA and Otunola’s Bold Stand in-the-gap

At Nigeria’s busiest aviation hub, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC), the hum of activity never ceases. Cargo planes land with goods from across the globe, passengers’ stream through terminals, and behind the scenes, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) works tirelessly to balance trade facilitation with national security.

Since November 2025, Comptroller Godwin A. Otunla has been at the helm of this delicate operation and his scorecard tells a story of discipline, synergy, and remarkable achievement, Eguono Odjegba reports.

 Breaking Records, Building Trust

In 2025, the Command collected ₦202.9 billion, surpassing its annual target by 13%. This was a leap from the ₦181.01 billion generated in 2024. For Otunla, the numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent trust in the system.

A gentleman officer and no nonsense administrator, Otunla knows his onions when it comes to customs operations and administration. Back at the jungle in Ogun 1 area border command, he  is on record to have effectively overrun the human factors that put out the command as a volatile area, while he also effectively eliminated the conditions that created unfriendly business attitude; deploying community relations approach.

These qualities he replicated upon arrival at the MMAC in January, significantly raising the command’s revenue chart. The Command under his watch generated a total of N23,410,408,103.20 in January 2026, the figures surpassed the 2024 and 2025 records at N14,754,044,196.00 and N16, 673,443,040.00, respectively.

“Every naira collected is proof that our processes are working, that traders are complying, and that Nigeria is plugging revenue leakages,” he told staff members during a recent briefing, adding:

“We cannot afford to compromise integrity.” His insistence on compliance has reshaped the Command’s reputation. Importers now speak of a more predictable clearance process, while officers describe the new work culture as a renewed sense of accountability.

Human Faces Behind the Figures

At the cargo terminal, a clearing agent, Musa Ibrahim, shared his experience:

“Before, you could spend days chasing documents. Now, things are faster. Comptroller Otunla insists on transparency, and it makes our work easier.”

For many, this shift is not just about efficiency but about dignity. Officers say they feel empowered to enforce rules without fear of undue influence, while traders appreciate a level playing field.

Synergy Without Compromise

Otunla’s leadership has been marked by collaboration with sister agencies, from aviation security to immigration and the police. Yet, he is clear that synergy must never compromise national security; while official atmosphere remains of one of constant affinity and chivalry.

“We work hand-in-hand with other agencies because no single body can secure our borders alone,” he said, adding, “But cooperation must never mean lowering our guard. National security is non-negotiable.”

This philosophy has led to joint operations that intercepted contraband items and strengthened Nigeria’s fight against illicit trade. Officers recall a recent coordinated effort that stopped a shipment of prohibited goods, a success attributed to seamless inter-agency intelligence sharing.

A Vision Rooted in Integrity

Otunla often speaks of professionalism and integrity as his guiding compass. He acknowledges the foundation laid by his predecessor, Comptroller Michael Awe, but insists that every era must raise the bar.

“We are custodians of Nigeria’s economic gateway. Our duty is not just to collect revenue but to protect the nation. That is the legacy I inherited and want to leave behind with even higher accomplishment.”

His words resonate with younger officers, many of whom see him as a mentor. “He challenges us to think beyond today. It’s about building a Customs Service that future generation can trust”, said one of the upcoming officers.

The Airport as a Microcosm

The airport itself is a microcosm of Nigeria’s global connections. From pharmaceuticals to electronics, the goods passing through MMAC touch everyday lives. Otunla’s insistence on compliance ensures that these goods are safe, legal, and properly taxed, thus directly making a silent but powerful contribution to national development. While for passengers, the Customs presence is often invisible, but for the nation, it is indispensable. As one aviation workers put it:

“You may not notice them, but without Customs, the airport cannot function. Comptroller Otunla has made us all feel safer.”