ACG OTUNLA ANNOUNCES N175.6 BILLION REVENUE, HANDS OVER TO D/COMPT MUNDI AT MMAC
Otunla hands over following promotion to Acting ACG; new controller pledges stronger anti-smuggling operations, revenue recovery and faster legitimate trade
The Murtala Mohammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a major leadership transition, with Deputy Comptroller MD Mundi taking over as the new Acting Customs Area Controller from Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs GO Otunla, who has been elevated to oversee Human Resources Development.
The handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, highlighted the Command’s reported achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, stakeholder engagement and the maintenance of a peaceful working environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Otunla reviewed the Command’s performance during his tenure, disclosing that it generated a total of ₦175,680,895,471.74 between January and October 2026 for the Federal Government.
He also announced a significant breakthrough in daily revenue collection, stating that the Command had surpassed its previous record by 533 per cent, collecting ₦6.2 billion against the earlier benchmark of ₦1,164,480,877.51.
The outgoing controller attributed the achievements to the dedication of officers and men of the Command, effective stakeholder engagement and sustained efforts to improve operational efficiency.
Command Records ₦175.6 Billion in Revenue
Revenue generation featured prominently in Otunla’s account of the Command’s performance, with the more than ₦175.6 billion collected within the first ten months of the year underscoring its contribution to government revenue.
The Command’s reported daily collection of ₦6.2 billion also marked a major milestone, significantly exceeding its previous daily record.
The performance reflects the Command’s emphasis on revenue mobilisation, compliance with Customs regulations and collaboration with stakeholders across the cargo clearance and trade facilitation chain.
Otunla noted that the Command had sustained its focus on its statutory responsibilities while maintaining productive working relationships with stakeholders.
Anti-Smuggling Operations Yield Major Seizures
Beyond revenue collection, the outgoing Acting Assistant Comptroller-General highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts, including the interception of 178 packages of Tramadol and 50 cartons of Canadian Loud.
According to the figures provided at the ceremony, the seized items had a stated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦118,228,874,754.28 and were handed over to representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in accordance with existing laws.
The handover to the NDLEA underscores inter-agency collaboration in tackling the illicit movement of controlled substances and protecting public health.
The Command’s anti-smuggling activities formed a key part of the outgoing controller’s performance report, alongside revenue generation and stakeholder relations.
Mundi Commends Otunla’s Leadership
Following Otunla’s promotion and new appointment, stakeholders delivered goodwill messages in recognition of his service at the Command.
In his remarks, the incoming Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller MD Mundi, congratulated Otunla on his elevation and appointment to lead Human Resources Development at the Assistant Comptroller-General level.
Mundi described Otunla’s tenure as remarkable, citing achievements in revenue generation, the seizure of substantial quantities of cannabis sativa and Canadian Loud, sustained stakeholder engagement and the preservation of a peaceful working environment.
He said the achievements reflected Otunla’s dedication, purposeful leadership and commitment to the Nigeria Customs Service.
On behalf of the officers and men of the Command, Mundi commended his predecessor’s accomplishments and wished him success in his new assignment.
He also pledged to consolidate on the foundation laid by Otunla and sustain the positive results recorded during his tenure.
New Controller Pledges Continuity, Discipline and Improved Service Delivery
As he assumed leadership, Mundi outlined the principles that would guide his administration, identifying continuity, discipline, integrity and improved service delivery as key priorities.
He promised to intensify revenue generation, block revenue leakages and strengthen compliance with existing Customs laws and regulations.
The new Acting Area Controller also vowed to reinforce anti-smuggling operations and deepen collaboration with relevant security agencies to protect the national economy and safeguard public health.
His administration, he said, would build on the Command’s existing achievements while pursuing more effective enforcement and operational performance.
Mundi’s priorities suggest a continued focus on balancing revenue collection with regulatory enforcement and the facilitation of legitimate commercial activities.
Faster Cargo Clearance, Stronger Stakeholder Collaboration
Beyond enforcement and revenue mobilization, Mundi pledged to promote efficient cargo clearance, facilitate legitimate trade and minimize avoidable delays without compromising Customs enforcement standards.
The commitment is particularly significant for businesses and other stakeholders whose operations depend on efficient cargo processing and predictable regulatory procedures.
He called for the cooperation of stakeholders, stressing that effective collaboration would be essential to achieving the Command’s objectives.
Mundi also charged officers and men of the Command to uphold discipline, professionalism, dedication and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
He emphasised the importance of teamwork and respect for the chain of command, urging personnel to remain committed to their responsibilities.
“I expect teamwork, respect for the chain of command, integrity and accountability at all times,” he said.
“Together, we shall build on existing achievements and strive for even greater results while sustaining the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere within the Command.”
Leadership Transition Sets New Expectations
The change of leadership marks a new phase for the Murtala Mohammed Area Command, with Mundi expected to sustain the gains recorded under Otunla while pursuing further improvements in revenue generation, enforcement and trade facilitation.
Otunla’s elevation to Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Human Resources Development also marks his transition from operational command responsibilities to a new assignment within the Service.
As the new Acting Area Controller settles into office, attention will focus on his administration’s ability to sustain revenue performance, strengthen anti-smuggling operations, improve cargo clearance and maintain constructive relationships with stakeholders.
The handover ceremony ended with commendations for the outgoing controller and renewed calls for discipline, cooperation and commitment to the Service’s mandate.
With ₦175.6 billion reportedly generated between January and October 2026 and a new daily revenue record announced, the challenge before Mundi is to consolidate these achievements while strengthening enforcement and facilitating legitimate trade.
Culled from Daily Insight