DC JACOB ONELE STRENGTHENS AIRPORT SECURITY, STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION AT MMIA

Customs chief deepens inter-agency cooperation, tackles operational bottlenecks, prioritises professionalism and trade facilitation
Deputy Comptroller of Customs Jacob Onele, the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is intensifying efforts to strengthen airport security, improve operational efficiency and promote closer collaboration among government agencies and private-sector operators under his jurisdiction.
Since assuming leadership of the strategic command, DC Onele has embarked on a series of engagements aimed at reinforcing institutional cooperation, addressing operational challenges, enhancing revenue generation and ensuring that legitimate trade and passenger movement are not unnecessarily impeded.
His approach reflects an understanding of the critical role played by the MMIA Command as one of Nigeria’s principal international gateways, where effective border management, efficient cargo clearance, intelligence sharing and strict enforcement of customs regulations are essential to national security and economic development.
In his latest engagement, DC Onele rallied key stakeholders operating at the international airport to strengthen operational coordination and consolidate existing relationships ahead of the busy festive travel season.
The engagement included visits to heads of sister security agencies and other government institutions operating within the airport, culminating in a courtesy visit to the office of the Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), MMIA Strategic Command, on Monday, October 26, 2026.
During the visit, the Acting Customs Area Controller emphasised the importance of a coordinated approach to tackling illicit drug trafficking, protecting national security and ensuring that government revenue due to the Federal Republic of Nigeria is properly collected.
He noted that sustained collaboration between the NCS and NDLEA would enhance intelligence sharing, improve operational effectiveness and reduce the challenges that may arise when the agencies operate without adequate coordination.
“Customs is ever ready to synergise with NDLEA to work together with you to achieve a better result, and also to make our society free of illicit drugs and collect the appropriate revenue that is due to the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Onele said.
He explained that the engagement provided an opportunity for officers and men of both agencies to strengthen their working relationship, identify possible operational bottlenecks and develop practical ways of improving enforcement outcomes.
While advocating a more robust response to illicit drug trafficking, he stressed the importance of respecting the statutory responsibilities and legal boundaries of the respective agencies. According to him, effective cooperation must be founded on mutual respect, professionalism and a clear understanding of each institution’s mandate.
Responding, the Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA MMIA Strategic Command, Muhammad Ahmad, described the relationship between the two agencies as one that should be sustained through mutual respect and a proper understanding of their respective responsibilities.
He underscored the importance of proper handling and custody of suspects and exhibits, noting that procedural lapses could create serious complications during prosecution.
“Once there is a hitch in the custody of either suspect or the exhibit, there could be serious problems in the course of prosecution. Our doors are always open. What we need is respect from each other,” Ahmad said.
Beyond the NDLEA engagement, DC Onele has extended his collaborative approach to other critical institutions operating at the airport, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Airport Chief of Security, among others.
These engagements demonstrate his determination to promote a coordinated security framework in which relevant agencies can exchange information, respond promptly to emerging threats and discharge their statutory responsibilities more effectively.
His stakeholder-driven leadership is also evident in his engagement with courier companies and private hangar operators, as part of efforts to improve customs compliance, address delays in cargo clearance and strengthen revenue collection.
During a familiarisation tour of major courier facilities on October 7, 2026, the Acting Controller engaged operators including Aramex, United Parcel Service (UPS), FedEx, DHL and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). The discussions focused on operational challenges affecting the timely presentation and clearance of imported parcels, compliance with customs requirements and the need to improve communication between operators and Customs officials.
Onele assured stakeholders that challenges within his authority would receive appropriate attention, while matters requiring intervention at higher levels would be escalated to the relevant authorities. He also emphasised that improved coordination between courier companies and Customs would contribute to faster clearance processes, better compliance and increased revenue generation.
His administration has equally placed considerable emphasis on internal operational readiness, discipline and professionalism. During familiarisation visits to strategic units on October 13, 2026, Onele assessed the activities of officers serving in the Anti-Money Laundering Unit and Baggage Operations, reviewed their operational capabilities and listened to issues affecting personnel welfare and service delivery.
Expressing satisfaction with the performance of officers under his supervision, he nevertheless urged them to sustain vigilance, discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
He rated their performance highly while reminding them that discipline remained non-negotiable. He also stressed the importance of courteous passenger relations, proper appearance and responsible conduct, noting that the behaviour of Customs personnel at an international gateway contributes to the image Nigeria presents to visitors and international travellers.
Onele has also highlighted the importance of efficient customs procedures and the effective use of technology to facilitate legitimate trade. His engagements have drawn attention to the Simplified Customs Advance Declaration System (SCADS) and the need to address bottlenecks affecting the processing of imported goods and parcels.
These initiatives reflect the broader operational priorities of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation.
For an airport command operating at the intersection of international commerce, passenger movement and national security, the ability to balance effective enforcement with efficient service delivery remains particularly important.
DC Onele’s emerging leadership approach at MMIA is characterised by stakeholder engagement, closer cooperation with sister agencies, attention to personnel discipline and efforts to resolve operational challenges affecting legitimate business activities.
Although the full impact of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by verifiable improvements in revenue performance, enforcement outcomes, clearance times and service delivery, the steps taken so far indicate a deliberate effort to strengthen the command’s operational effectiveness.
As the festive season approaches, the renewed emphasis on inter-agency collaboration is expected to support greater preparedness among security and regulatory institutions operating at the airport, where increased passenger traffic and commercial activities require heightened vigilance and effective coordination.
For DC Onele, the task extends beyond routine customs administration. It involves strengthening institutional partnerships, upholding professional standards, protecting Nigeria’s economic interests and ensuring that the country’s international gateway remains secure, efficient and responsive to the demands of modern border management.
His ongoing engagements underscore a central principle of effective public service: sustainable results are more achievable when institutions work together, personnel remain disciplined and enforcement is matched with professionalism, accountability and respect for the law.