Comptroller Godwin Otunla, the newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command (MMIAC), is attracting nationwide attention for his track record of excellence and transformative leadership within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Regarded as “a man with the Midas touch,” Otunla’s ascent through the ranks has been defined by diligence, discipline, and an impressive mastery of Customs operations.
His deployment to one of the Service’s most strategic commands is widely seen as a vote of confidence from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who insiders say trusts him to uphold the Service’s renewed commitment to efficiency and integrity.
Otunla’s reputation was firmly cemented during his tenure as Customs Area Controller of Ogun 1 Command, where he delivered what stakeholders describe as unprecedented results. After assuming office on April 24, 2025, he instituted strategic reforms that drastically improved revenue performance.
The command recorded ₦42.2 million in revenue for May 2025, up from ₦10.6 million in April and closed the year with ₦326 billion, a sharp rise from ₦213 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
Observers attribute this leap to Otunla’s “zero tolerance for leakages,” enforcement of compliance, and streamlining of trade documentation processes. Officers under the command recall a renewed culture of professionalism and accountability.
His tenure also witnessed significant breakthroughs in anti-smuggling operations. Under his leadership, the command made 161 seizures, including 3,699 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, and three single-barrel long guns.
His tactical anti-smuggling teams maintained high visibility across border corridors, making the terrain increasingly difficult for smugglers.
Security agencies praised his collaborative approach, noting that Otunla strengthened partnerships with the NDLEA, Nigeria Police, and other security outfits, improving intelligence gathering and joint operations.
Outside enforcement duties, Otunla was also lauded for his people-focused leadership style. He frequently engaged traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders to foster mutual understanding and minimize tensions.
This approach, according to stakeholders, drastically reduced clashes between border communities and Customs operatives, ensuring smooth operations across the command.
Cross-border cooperation also flourished under his watch, with Benin Republic’s Customs authorities working closely with Ogun 1 Command to curb smuggling and enhance legitimate trade flows.
Upon resuming at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Otunla pledged to build on the successes of his predecessor while prioritizing trade facilitation, revenue optimization, and anti-corruption efforts.
“I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service delivery,” he assured during his inaugural address.
Given the significance of MMIAC, one of the nation’s busiest gateways and a vital economic hub, many industry observers see his appointment as strategic, especially at a time when the NCS is intensifying reforms and modernization efforts.
Senior officers describe Otunla as “reliable, hardworking, dependable, and cerebral,” affirming that the Comptroller-General’s decision to deploy him to MMIA aligns with the Service’s goals of deepening trade efficiency and strengthening national economic security.
With his proven leadership record and reform-driven mindset, stakeholders say the aviation command is poised for a new phase of enhanced service delivery, transparency, and operational excellence.