Business
Otunla brings human face, intelligence to border security in Ogun
The Ogun Area I Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has emphasized that modern anti-smuggling operations must be anchored on intelligence rather than force, revealing that the Command has not recorded any fracas since April when Comptroller Godwin Otunla assumed office.
For decades, anti-smuggling operations in Ogun border communities were marked by fracas, gun battles, hot pursuits, and bloody clashes that claimed lives and deepened hostility between residents and Customs.
Comptroller Godwin Otunla, however, insists that the new era under his watch is about intelligence, not bloodshed, stressing that effective border policing can be achieved without violence.
“We now use intelligence to do our work. Government and the Customs Act allows us to use informants. We allow them (smugglers) to store. For instance they’re coming from Benin Republic and put the smuggled items in Imeko, we will just quietly go there and pack the items without fracas and without shooting guns”
Otunla, who hosted executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, at the Idiroko Command headquarters on Thursday, explained that the days of bloody clashes at the borders are being replaced with smarter and community-friendly enforcement strategies.
“From the start of the administration of the present Comptroller General of Customs, fracas has gone down seriously. We can do our job without shedding blood. We can use intelligence to do our job without running after anybody. Like I always tell my officers, anti-smuggling is not about running after smugglers alone,” Otunla declared.
He further noted that his men had shown commitment to change in both attitude and conduct, stressing that the service was prioritizing peace in its border communities.
“Since my assumption of office we have not recorded any fracas. Glory be to God and I commend my officers for their diligence and the heart of wanting to change, particularly attitudinal change in the way they do their job. We will continue to live with each other, the community and Customs,” he added.
The Controller disclosed that within four months, the Command has made 144 seizures including cannabis and other hard drugs, while generating ₦121.8 million in revenue through intelligence-led operations.
Beyond enforcement, Otunla urged journalists to reshape public perception of the Service, stressing that the Customs’ role transcends seizures to revenue mobilization, border security, and protection against harmful imports.
He appealed for stronger collaboration with the media, saying journalists can help sensitize Nigerians to the broader functions of Customs beyond rice and poultry seizures.
Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, commended the leadership of Customs for its reform-approach, assuring that journalists in Ogun State are ready to serve as partners in border security.
According to him, balanced reporting, regular media engagement, and amplification of Customs’ activities for greater public awareness will help the Service achieve more.
The NUJ Chairman also reiterated the importance of sustaining cordial relations with host communities in order to build trust and reduce tensions around the borders.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Ogun State Government, Otunba OlaDapo AbdulRahman Okubadejo, has advocated for sustainable transfer to cleaner energy to maintain global economic stability
Otunba Okubadejo made the call at the 2026 Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit (CTIS), held at the Mansion House, London, United Kingdom.
The Finance Commissioner who attended the Summit, and took part in a session with the topic, “Pressing Global Challenge of Balancing Energy Security and Decarbonisation,” argued that transition to cleaner energy must be managed carefully to ensure that economic stability is maintained throughout the process
He opined that it was necessary to harmonize immediate energy needs with long-term environmental stewardship, highlighting the delicate equilibrium required to achieve sustainable climate goals without compromising the energy reliability essential for industrial growth.
The Economic Adviser underscored the importance of innovative policy frameworks in navigating the complex global transition.
He reiterated Ogun State’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development through proactive approach to green initiatives, adding that the administration of governor Dapo Abiodun is working towards positioning the State as a hub for investment while also expanding towards the Commonwealth.
Otunba Okubadejo also informed of the the state’s broader economic strategy, which seeks to integrate environmental consciousness into its industrial expansion.
The Finance Commissioner concluded that fostering a green economy is not just an environmental mandate, but a viable pathway for resilient economic growth.
Abuja’s property market has kicked off 2026 with explosive momentum, delivering its strongest first-quarter performance on record and signaling renewed investor confidence despite rising economic pressures.
In a landmark surge, March 2026 alone recorded 9,465 residential transactions—an astonishing 83.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This sharp rise helped push total first-quarter transactions to an all-time high of 29,009 deals, cementing Abuja’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing real estate hubs.
Industry data reveals a broad-based expansion across segments. Off-plan sales soared by 94.6%, while secondary market transactions jumped 76.1%, highlighting strong appetite from both new buyers and existing property investors.
Despite escalating financing costs and tighter payment structures, market activity has shown remarkable resilience.
Kúnlé Ìlòrí-Diamond, investment banker and real estate expert, noted that the anticipated slowdown has yet to materialize.
“The total number of transactions in March reached 9,465, up significantly from 5,598 in February. This marks the strongest first quarter ever recorded in Abuja’s residential market. While property prices and rents continue to rise, we are beginning to see a moderation in growth rates, particularly within the duplex segment” he said.
Strong Rental Returns Drive Investor Interest
Abuja’s rental market is also experiencing a powerful upswing, offering increasingly attractive returns to investors.
Following a relatively quiet third quarter, average apartment rents surged by 14% in Q4
2025—the highest quarterly increase since 2017. Analysts attribute this growth to Abuja’s expanding reputation as a business and lifestyle destination, coupled with relatively competitive property pricing and improved housing options.
Notably, high returns are no longer confined to traditional premium locations. Emerging districts such as Kyami, Kuje, Karsana, and Appo-Wasa are rapidly gaining traction, providing investors with new opportunities beyond the city’s core.
Prices Climb, Duplex Segment Leads Growth
Price growth has remained robust across property types. According to market research, average property prices rose by 11.3% year-on-year as of March 2026.
Apartment prices increased by 20% while duplex prices surged by 32%, maintaining their dominance in the market
Average prices now stand at approximately ₦11,118 per square foot for apartments and ₦11,267 per square foot for duplexes.
Premium districts continue to command top rates. Abuja City Centre leads the apartment market with an average of ₦22,021 per square foot, while Maitama and Katampe Extension (Usuma) dominate the off-plan segment at ₦22,910 per square foot.
As of March 2026:
Average apartment rent stood at ₦80,000 while average duplex rent reached ₦238,441
Prime rental locations such as Jahi, Gwarimpa, Wuse, Guzape, and Apo Legislative Quarters recorded some of the highest apartment rents, while Maitama maintained its position at the top of the luxury rental market with average asking rents nearing ₦801,940.
Outlook: Momentum Expected to Continue
According to Diamond Ilori, CEO of Jacob & Co Developments, the record-breaking first quarter sets a strong tone for the rest of the year.
“After a challenging period, apartment prices have returned to double-digit growth, while duplexes continue to lead with over 20% price appreciation. The market is expected to sustain this momentum, especially as it attracts increased interest from foreign investors, particularly in the luxury housing segment.”
With rising demand, expanding suburban opportunities, and sustained investor confidence,
Abuja’s real estate market appears poised for one of its most dynamic years yet.
#AbujaRealEstate #PropertyMarket #Investment #NigeriaBusiness #RealEstateNews
Residents of Ogun State now have direct access to premium home transformations as Dulux, the global authority in luxury paints, officially launches its latest outlet at the Vista Mall on Akarigbo Road, Sagamu.
This new presence brings the brand’s hallmark of durability and high-definition color closer to local homeowners and professional developers.
Over the years, Dulux has built its reputation on superior coverage and specialized performance.
The Sagamu store features their most sought-after lines, including:
- Wash&Wear: A scrubbable, stain-resistant interior finish perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Weathershield: Advanced exterior protection designed to withstand harsh elements.
- Aquanamel: A water-based enamel specifically for trim and accents.
- Specialty Solutions: Tailored products for high-moisture environments like kitchens and bathrooms.
Beyond aesthetics, Dulux continues to lead in environmental responsibility, with products engineered with low-emission and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) technology, ensuring that a beautiful finish doesn’t come at the cost of air quality or safety.
Dulux Paints offers aesthetics and protection for concrete, metal, and wood with curated palettes ranging from earthy neutrals to vibrant, trendy tones built to provide a hard-wearing finish that lasts for years.
For personalized consultations or to place an order, the Sagamu team can be reached at 08062199201 or 08062257639.
-
News7 months agoOgun FIBAN lauds ‘Paulo Rossi’ on birthday
-
Politics9 months agoThe Yayi Effect and Political Leadership: A Call for Value-Driven Endorsements
-
News9 months agoUnited Premier Movement inaugurates Interim Working Committee
-
News4 months agoWaste Dealers Protest: Illegality Fighting Back – OGWAMA
-
Politics9 months agoThe Yayi Effect and Political Leadership in Ogun State (Part 2)
-
Culture8 months agoAyinla Egba celebrates Alake of Egbaland at 82
-
Education7 months agoSixth Sense to host Children’s Reading Competition
-
Culture9 months agoOlowu crowns Oba Adediran Oluseyi as Towulade of Akinale