BY. ROSEMARY UGIOMOH
President Tinubu has opened a new Federal Operations Unit (FOU) complex in Ogun State, boosting Nigeria Customs Service’s expansion and reform efforts. 
The new facility aims to improve working conditions for personnel and support revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement.
The project, initially estimated at ₦73 billion, will house 142 buildings, including a training college and sports complex, and is expected to enhance the Service’s modernisation and growth
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Saturday, 4 April 2026, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the development was driven by the need to balance the Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement with improved welfare and working conditions for personnel.
He noted that the expansion became necessary due to increasing operational demands and limited space at existing facilities in Ikeja, Lagos.
“We’ve just commissioned the Federal Operations Unit; they will be moving here as soon as possible. It’s already been furnished. The accessories that would ensure proper functioning of the facilities have also been installed. Provision of a modern armoury and then, of course, you know that this is the warehouse directly opposite this facility. This warehouse will also support the warehouse at the nearby aviation village”, he explained.
He commended the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, for his partnership in the relocation project, while also paying tribute to his predecessor, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), for initiating the project, describing his efforts as instrumental in laying the foundation for the current progress.
On funding, the Customs Boss disclosed that the project was initially estimated at ₦73 billion, but evolving economic realities may necessitate a review of the approved cost.
The CGC further disclosed that the Service has already commenced operations at the nearby cargo airport, which was commissioned the same day, with officers actively engaged in terminal operations and cargo handling.
“We’re already at the airport, and we also had our officers who performed tallying when Mr President was asked to witness the offloading of the first cargo at the airport. So, we’re already there, the facilities have been provided for us.”
The expansive project site is expected to accommodate about 142 buildings, including the training college, multipurpose halls, and a sports complex, reinforcing the Service’s long-term vision for modernisation and institutional growth.
