MMAC Customs Command Gets New Controller As Otunla Bows Out After N175.6bn Revenue

By Stella Okocha

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command, MMAC, of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has witnessed a change of leadership with the handing over to Deputy Comptroller MD Mundi as Acting Customs Area Controller.

The handing/taking-over ceremony was held on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Command’s conference room in Lagos.

Outgoing Area Controller, Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, GA Otunla, who has been elevated and posted as Acting ACG, Human Resources Development, said he recorded notable achievements during his tenure.

Otunla disclosed that the Command generated N175,680,895,471.74 from January to October 2026, with a record daily collection of N6.2 billion on October 8, 2026, representing about 533 percent increase over daily target of N1,164,480,877.51.

He said Command improved revenue generation by blocking leakages, adopting cargo scanning, thorough examination and intelligence-based risk management.

On anti-smuggling, Otunla said Command intercepted and seized substantial quantities of cannabis sativa and Canadian Loud, including 178 packages of Tramadol and 50 cartons of Canadian Loud with Duty Paid Value of N118,228,874,754.28, which were handed over to NDLEA.

“This reaffirmed our commitment to protecting national security and public health,” he said.

Otunla thanked Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and management for confidence reposed in him, and appreciated officers, sister agencies and stakeholders for their support.

In his taking-over speech, new Acting Controller, Deputy Comptroller MD Mundi, expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi and management for appointment and congratulated Otunla on his elevation.

Mundi described Otunla’s tenure as remarkable, with achievements in revenue, seizures, stakeholder engagement and peaceful working environment.

“These accomplishments reflect your dedication, purposeful leadership and commitment to the Service,” he said.

Mundi said his administration would be guided by continuity, discipline, integrity and improved service delivery.

“We shall intensify efforts towards revenue generation, block revenue leakages and ensure compliance with extant Customs laws and regulations. We shall also strengthen our anti-smuggling operations and collaboration with relevant security agencies,” he said.

He assured of promoting efficient cargo clearance, facilitating legitimate trade and minimising delays without compromising enforcement.

Mundi said stakeholder engagement remains indispensable, pledging to sustain cordial relationships with importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, airlines, cargo terminal operators and sister agencies.

He urged officers and men to remain disciplined, dedicated, professional and committed, emphasising teamwork, respect for chain of command, integrity and accountability.

“I will lead with fairness, firmness, transparency and a strong commitment to results,” he said.