President Bola Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated a N73 billion Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ complex in Iperu, Ogun State, describing the project as a major step towards strengthening trade facilitation and national revenue generation.
The facility, situated in Ikenne Local Government Area, comprises 142 buildings and is expected to provide world-class operational infrastructure for the Nigeria Customs Service.
Tinubu said the project, when fully completed, would serve both institutional needs and the broader public interest by enhancing customs operations and boosting efficiency.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, noted that the project would significantly improve revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities of the service.
He added that the new complex would also enhance the welfare of officers and reposition operations, particularly within Lagos and its environs.
Adeniyi disclosed that the project is currently about 45 per cent completed, with an estimated total cost of N73 billion.
“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,” he said.
The customs boss explained that the relocation became necessary as the service had outgrown its existing office in Ikeja, Lagos, due to expanded operational scope.
“All Federal Operations Unit activities in Lagos will eventually move to Iperu. Over 30 years ago, the Ikeja office was sufficient, but the scope of operations has significantly expanded,” he added.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing the land and supporting the project, while also acknowledging former Comptroller-General, Ahmed Alli, for initiating the development.
Adeniyi further revealed that a customs warehouse within the complex was nearing completion to support both land and aviation operations, while plans were underway to establish a training college to boost personnel development.
He also disclosed that customs officers had already been deployed to the Ogun airport to handle cargo operations following engagements with the Federal Government over the past six months.
The project contractor, Mohammed Daggash, said the 100-hectare facility would also include a training centre, a university, and a sports complex, describing it as a landmark investment aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and delivering long-term value for the service.
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