The handover ceremony, held at the command headquarters in Akure on September 9, 2025, underscores the NCS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening border security and economic facilitation in the region.

Obazee, a seasoned customs officer with extensive experience in revenue generation and trade facilitation, succeeds the outgoing controller and brings a fresh focus on transformative reforms. 

In her inaugural address, she pledged to prioritize revenue assurance, enhanced security measures, and intensified anti-smuggling initiatives. 

“As we take on this mantle, our drive will be centered on reforms that ensure robust revenue collection, fortified security at our borders, and relentless efforts to combat smuggling activities,” Obazee stated. 

She emphasized collaboration with stakeholders, including local traders, security agencies, and community leaders, to foster a conducive environment for legitimate trade while curbing illicit activities.

The Ondo/Ekiti Area Command, which oversees customs operations across the two states, plays a critical role in regulating imports and exports, particularly in agricultural commodities like cocoa, and preventing the influx of contraband goods through porous borders. 

Obazee highlighted the command’s strategic importance in contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that recent seizures of items such as cannabis sativa valued at over N112 million demonstrate the team’s vigilance. 

She assured officers and the public of her commitment to leveraging technology and intelligence-sharing to boost efficiency and transparency.

The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, congratulated Obazee on her appointment and reiterated the service’s mandate under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to support national security and revenue targets. 

“This deployment aligns with our broader strategy to inject new energy into area commands, ensuring they meet and exceed performance benchmarks,” Adeniyi said in a statement.

Stakeholders in Ondo and Ekiti states have welcomed the change, expressing optimism about Obazee’s leadership in addressing challenges like smuggling routes along the Benin border and facilitating exports for local farmers. 

As she settles into her role, all eyes are on how her reforms will impact the command’s performance in the coming months.