Comptroller Godwin Gbenga Otunla: Driving Revenue and Security at Nigeria’s Busiest Airport

Comptroller Godwin Gbenga Otunla: Driving Revenue and Security at Nigeria’s Busiest Airport

Comptroller Godwin Gbenga Otunla is the current Customs Area Controller in charge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Lagos. He assumed duty in late 2025 with a mandate to strengthen revenue collection, improve trade facilitation, and uphold national security at Nigeria’s primary aviation gateway.

A career officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Compt. Otunla is known for intelligence-driven operations, discipline, and consistent engagement with stakeholders. His leadership style combines firm enforcement with fairness, and he has earned a reputation for improving compliance and operational efficiency at every posting.

Before his current role, Compt. Otunla served in various departments of the Nigeria Customs Service and also served as Deputy Comptroller with the defunct CGC Strike Force Team A in Lagos. In that capacity, he coordinated anti-smuggling operations across the South West corridor, building a track record for tactical precision and inter-agency collaboration. On 24 March 2025, he was appointed Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko. He met a monthly revenue average of N10-15 million and raised it to N20-30 million within months. By May 2025, the Command generated N42.3 million, up from N10.6 million before his arrival. His tenure was marked by a significant reduction in smuggling along the border corridor through intelligence-led operations and improved community relations.

At MMAC, Compt. Otunla has overseen notable gains in revenue and efficiency. The Command recorded N202.9 billion in late 2025, exceeding its annual target by 13 percent. In a separate four-month period, over N68 billion was collected. These results reflect intensified risk management, improved cargo and passenger processing, and greater use of technology in line with the Nigeria Customs Service modernisation agenda. He has strengthened collaboration with airlines, freight forwarders, clearing agents, and other government agencies, leading to faster clearance timelines and improved voluntary compliance.

Compt. Otunla maintains that the Customs mandate extends beyond revenue to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests at the point of entry. He enforces a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and promotes discipline, accountability, and continuous capacity building for officers. For his contributions, he has been recognized for excellence in trade facilitation and revenue performance, outstanding leadership in anti-smuggling operations, distinguished service in airport operations, and integrity and professionalism in public service.