Despite persistent global economic turbulence and declining international trade volumes, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to post impressive revenue figures under the leadership of Godwin Otunla.
At a period when many sectors of the economy are struggling with reduced commercial activities, the airport command has emerged as one of the brightest revenue generating formations within the Service.
Since assuming office as Customs Area Controller, Otunla has maintained a firm grip on operations, introducing strategic measures that strengthened efficiency, accountability, and revenue collection across the command.
His administration has been widely described by stakeholders and officers as disciplined, proactive, and result oriented, with a strong commitment to national economic growth.
Available figures show that the command generated more than N68 billion between January and April 2026, surpassing the over N64 billion recorded within the same period in 2025.
In January 2026 alone, the command realised over N24 billion, representing a significant increase from the N16.6 billion generated in January 2025.
The impressive performance continued in February 2026 with revenue exceeding N17 billion, compared to N12.8 billion realised during the corresponding period last year.
March 2026 also sustained the upward trajectory as the command generated more than N15.2 billion, further reinforcing confidence in the operational reforms introduced under Otunla’s leadership.
Even in April 2026, when global economic pressures intensified and cargo traffic slowed considerably, the command still generated over N12 billion.
The April performance exceeded the N11.3 billion generated in April 2024, a period widely considered more stable in terms of international trade and economic conditions.
Industry observers believe the command’s resilience reflects Otunla’s deep understanding of Customs administration, revenue optimisation, and anti smuggling enforcement strategies.
Revenue statistics released through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Affiong Uya Momodu, highlighted the scale of transformation recorded within the airport command despite volatility in global air transport operations.
Analysts within the maritime and aviation sectors also attribute the achievements to enhanced intelligence gathering, strict compliance monitoring, and improved operational coordination among officers.
Throughout his career, Otunla has built a reputation for identifying under declaration, concealment, and other revenue evasion tactics commonly deployed by non compliant importers.
Colleagues describe him as calm, professional, and meticulous, yet uncompromising in enforcing Customs regulations and maintaining operational discipline within the command.
Before his posting to the airport command, Otunla served at the Ogun I Area Command where he recorded notable anti smuggling successes, strengthened enforcement activities, and delivered impressive revenue performance, further cementing his reputation as one of the Service’s most effective field commanders.