Bola Tinubu on Saturday inaugurated a new N73 billion office and training facility for the Nigeria Customs Service Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, located in Iperu, Ogun State.

The project features administrative buildings and a training college designed to improve operations, staff welfare, and capacity development within the Service. Declaring the complex open, the President praised the Comptroller-General of Customs for initiating a structure he described as suitable for the unit’s expanding responsibilities.

The Customs Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, explained that the move from the crowded Ikeja base in Lagos became necessary as the Service’s duties in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement continued to grow. He noted that the previous location could no longer accommodate the scale of activities required of the unit.

According to him, the Iperu site provides enough space for both current demands and future expansion. He added that the location is strategically close to aviation and cargo facilities, positioning Customs officers to effectively manage export processing and cargo operations tied to nearby airport infrastructure.

Adeniyi disclosed that while the project was initially valued at about N73 billion, only around 45 per cent of the work has been completed. He said the Service plans to seek presidential approval to review the cost in line with prevailing economic conditions to ensure the project’s completion within the life of the current administration.

He also highlighted support from the Ogun State Government, led by Dapo Abiodun, which provided more than 50 hectares of land and essential infrastructure for the development. The Customs boss acknowledged his predecessor for securing the land and laying the groundwork for the project.

The complex includes a fully furnished office block, a warehouse situated opposite the main building, and plans for a modern armoury. Adeniyi further revealed that Customs personnel are already deployed at critical points around the airport environment, including the tarmac and terminal areas, in preparation for cargo and international flight operations.

He expressed confidence that the available facilities would enable smooth Customs activities once aviation operations begin in full at the site.