SEAMLESS TRANSITION AT MURTALA MUHAMMED AREA COMMAND AS OTUNLA HANDS OVER TO MUNDI

SEAMLESS TRANSITION AT MURTALA MUHAMMED AREA COMMAND AS OTUNLA HANDS OVER TO MUNDI

By Prince Benson Davies

Leadership changed hands at one of Nigeria’s most strategic Customs formations on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as officers, stakeholders and well-wishers gathered to witness a smooth handover at the Murtala Muhammed Area Command.

The ceremony, held inside the Command’s Conference Room, saw Acting Assistant Comptroller-General G.A. Otunla formally transfer authority to Deputy Comptroller M.D. Mundi, bringing to a close a tenure defined by strong revenue performance and decisive enforcement.

Otunla used his valedictory remarks to reel out the Command’s impressive scorecard. He revealed that between January and October 2026, the Command collected N175.68 billion in revenue, a figure he said reflected improved efficiency and a renewed commitment to blocking leakages.

A standout moment in that period came on October 9, 2026, when the Command recorded a single-day collection of N6.2 billion. That amount was about 433 per cent above the daily target of N1.16 billion, setting a new benchmark for the Command.

Otunla explained that the result did not happen by chance. He credited the deployment of cargo scanning, detailed examination of consignments, intelligence-led risk management and sustained efforts to seal revenue loopholes.

Beyond revenue, the outgoing controller also pointed to gains in the fight against illicit trade. He disclosed that the Command intercepted about 178 packages of Tramadol and 50 cartons of Canadian Loud, valued at N118.23 million in Duty Paid Value. The seized items were subsequently transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

According to him, the seizures underscored the Command’s resolve to protect public health, support national security and deny criminal networks access to Nigerian communities.

Otunla was quick to share credit for the successes. He thanked the officers and men of the Command for their dedication, acknowledged the support of sister security agencies and appreciated stakeholders for their cooperation throughout his tenure. He also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for trusting him with the Command.

His departure from MMAC is not a retirement but a promotion. Otunla has been elevated to Acting Assistant Comptroller-General and posted to Human Resources Development, a move widely seen as recognition of his outstanding stewardship.

Before taking his seat, he appealed to officers to give his successor the same loyalty, discipline and support they gave him, noting that continuity was critical to sustaining the Command’s gains.

Mundi, in his acceptance speech, thanked the Comptroller-General and Customs management for finding him worthy to head the Command. He promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor rather than start afresh.

He listed his immediate priorities to include boosting revenue, eliminating leakages, enforcing compliance with Customs laws and intensifying anti-smuggling operations in partnership with other security agencies.

The new controller also assured the trading community of faster and more efficient cargo clearance. He said his leadership would work to reduce avoidable delays while maintaining strict enforcement standards.

Mundi identified constant engagement with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, airlines, cargo terminal operators and other stakeholders as a pillar of his administration, adding that open communication would drive better outcomes for all parties.

Turning to officers, he urged them to embrace discipline, integrity, professionalism and accountability. He stressed the importance of teamwork and respect for the chain of command in achieving collective goals.

He closed by assuring stakeholders of a leadership style built on fairness, firmness, transparency and measurable results, while preserving a peaceful and productive work environment.

With the handover now complete, attention has shifted to how Mundi will build on the momentum left behind, as stakeholders look forward to deeper reforms, stronger enforcement and improved trade facilitation at the Command.