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COMPTROLLER GBENGA GODWIN OTUNLA: THE LEADER TRANSFORMING MMAC INTO NIGERIA’S REVENUE POWERHOUSE
By Prince Benson Davies
The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under the dynamic leadership of Comptroller Gbenga Godwin Otunla has continued to set new benchmarks in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
The Command, which is one of the most strategic revenue gateways of the nation, has witnessed unprecedented transformation since Comptroller Otunla assumed office as the Customs Area Controller.
A breakdown of the Command’s performance under his watch shows a culture of excellence and efficiency:
– Single-Day Record: On October 8, 2026, the Command generated a massive N6.2 billion in a single day from 260 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs), representing 533.1% of its daily target.
– Year-to-Date 2026: The Command has so far collected over N165.79 billion from 53,164 SGDs, achieving over 57% of its annual target.
– 2025 Performance: In 2025, the Command collected N202.9 billion, up from N181.01 billion in 2024, surpassing its annual target by 13%.
– Anti-Smuggling Feat: In the last seven months alone, the Command intercepted illicit drugs including Tramadol and Cannabis valued at N44.9 billion, which were handed over to the NDLEA.
According to Comptroller Otunla, the successes are hinged on blocking revenue leakages, especially through his intervention on unutilized airway bills, introduction of multiple layers of checks, intelligence-driven operations and staff motivation.
Describing the MMAC as “custodians of Nigeria’s economic gateway,” Otunla reaffirmed his commitment to balancing trade facilitation with robust national security, in line with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
Prior to his posting to MMAC, Comptroller Otunla served as Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko, where he was celebrated for his transparency, community engagement and synergy with sister agencies.
Stakeholders have described him as one of the finest, most cerebral and result-oriented officers in the Service.
