President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday, inaugurated a N73 billion legacy project comprising 142 buildings for the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service in Iperu, Ogun State.

The president stated that upon completion, the project would provide international standard facilities and serve the broader public interest.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, said the project would strengthen revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement operations.

Mr Adeniyi also said the facility would enhance officers’ welfare and improve efficiency, particularly across Lagos and the surrounding areas.

“This project is estimated at about N73 billion from inception. However, we are currently at about 45 per cent completion. We seek Mr President’s understanding to review aspects of the initial approval to enable completion within his tenure,” Adeniyi said.

He explained that expanding Customs operations had outgrown the existing Ikeja office, necessitating a move to a more spacious facility.

“All FOU (Federal Operations Unit) activities in Lagos will eventually move to Iperu. Over 30 years ago, the Ikeja office was sufficient. The scope of operations has significantly expanded,” he said.

Mr Adeniyi commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun for providing land and supporting the project’s development.

He also acknowledged former Comptroller-General, Ahmed Alli, for initiating the project and securing the land.

Mr Adeniyi said a Customs warehouse within the complex was nearing completion to support land and aviation operations.

He added that the project would include a Customs training college to strengthen personnel development.

Mr Adeniyi disclosed that officers had been deployed to the Ogun airport to handle cargo operations on the tarmac and in the terminal.

He said the Federal Government provided support for Customs operations at the airport following engagements over the past six months.

The contractor, Mohammed Daggash, said the 100-hectare site would accommodate 142 buildings, including a training centre, university and sports complex.

Mr Daggash described the project as a landmark investment to strengthen institutional capacity and deliver long-term value for the service. 

(NAN)