- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has on Saturday inaugurated a N73 billion legacy project for the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of Nigeria Customs Service.
The President performed the inauguration of the project which comprised of 142 buildings in Iperu, in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Tinubu, in his address, said the project, when completed, would provide international standard facilities and serve the broader public interest.
Speaking, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the project would strengthen revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement operations.
Adeniyi noted the facility would enhance officers’ welfare and improve efficiency, particularly across Lagos and surrounding areas.
“This project is estimated at about N73 billion from inception. However, we are currently at about 45 per cent completion.
“We seek Mr President’s understanding to review aspects of the initial approval to enable completion within his tenure,” Adeniyi said.
He explained that expanding Customs operations had outgrown the existing Ikeja office, necessitating relocation to a more spacious environment.
“All FOU (Federal Operations Unit) activities in Lagos will eventually move to Iperu. Over 30 years ago, the Ikeja office was sufficient.
“The scope of operations has significantly expanded,” he said.
Adeniyi commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for providing land and supporting the project’s development.
He also acknowledged former Comptroller-General, Ahmed Alli, for initiating the project and securing the land.
Adeniyi said a Customs warehouse within the complex was nearing completion to support land and aviation operations.
He added the project would include a Customs training college to strengthen personnel development.
Adeniyi disclosed that officers had been deployed to the Ogun airport to handle cargo operations at the tarmac and terminal.
He said the Federal Government provided support for Customs operations at the airport following engagements over the past six months.
The contractor, Mohammed Daggash, said the 100-hectare site would accommodate 142 buildings, including a training centre, university and sports complex.
Daggash described the project as a landmark investment to strengthen institutional capacity and deliver long-term value for the service.