By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
“A Journey Beyond Borders, A Lesson for Africa as Customs Chief Lauds Attracta Ogboru’s 72-Day Cross-Continental Ride”
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has described the remarkable Nigeria–Belgium–Nigeria motorcycle expedition by Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Attracta Ogboru as a “powerful statement on resilience, inclusion, and the urgent need for reform in Africa’s border management systems.”
Adeniyi made the remarks on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Nigeria Customs Headquarters, Abuja, during a ceremony celebrating Ogboru’s completion of her 72-day solo ride across 22 countries and two continents under the banner “Ride Beyond Borders.”
“Not Just a Ride — A Lesson in Courage and Reform”
While commending Ogboru for her historic journey, Adeniyi noted that the recently released documentary of her expedition only revealed “the soft side” of her experience.
“We saw her smiling and posing for pictures,” he said. “But we also know this was not a fun trip. She braved broken bikes, muddy roads, and long lonely stretches where help was hard to find.”
He disclosed that the Customs Service provided behind-the-scenes support throughout her journey, often rallying colleagues across Africa to ensure her safety.
“We called officers in the middle of the night to assist her at difficult borders,” Adeniyi revealed. “It became a continental effort.”
The Customs boss used Ogboru’s story to spotlight the realities of cross-border trade in Africa, especially the hurdles faced by ordinary traders.
“If an officer of her rank faced these challenges, imagine what the average woman trader or traveler goes through,” he lamented.
Adeniyi said her journey had “opened the eyes” of the Service to the need for friendlier, faster, and fairer border experiences, pledging reforms to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints and strengthen coordination among border agencies.
He revealed that only two checkpoints between Seme and Lagos are officially approved and that the Customs Service will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure compliance.
Highlighting Ogboru’s persistence, Adeniyi shared that this was not her first attempt at such an expedition.
“She had tried several times but was denied visas or faced poor timing,” he said. “Yet she refused to give up — and that’s a lesson for every young woman and officer: jinxes are meant to be broken.”
Adeniyi noted that her determination had inspired the Customs management to back her fully — support that paid off when she successfully conquered the 72-day odyssey.
“When she began, she was a Chief Superintendent of Customs,” he said proudly. “Today, we celebrate her not only as an Assistant Comptroller but as a symbol of courage and progress. And let me assure you, her journey doesn’t end here — we will continue to advance her career.”
The Comptroller-General reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to gender equality, revealing that 35% of customs controllers are women holding strategic positions — a step in line with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Strategic Plan 2026.
“We are an equal-opportunity agency,” he said. “Attracta’s journey proves that women can lead, inspire, and redefine what is possible.”
He added that the Customs Service will soon introduce measures to improve experiences for women traders at border posts.
“If we can empower our own women to explore beyond limits,” he said, “we must ensure that women traders enjoy the same respect and opportunity.”
Lessons for Border Management and Africa’s Trade Future
Adeniyi listed five key lessons from Ogboru’s expedition:
1. Persistence in the face of barriers — never giving up on a dream.
2. Gender equality — opportunities for all, regardless of gender or background.
3. Operational insight — tackling inefficiencies that slow cross-border trade.
4. International best practices — learning from Europe’s seamless border systems.
5. Infrastructure investment — strengthening facilities at border stations to deter non-state actors and improve security.
He particularly cited Ogboru’s smooth crossing from Morocco to Spain via Tangier as an example of efficiency Africa should emulate.
“In Spain, she was asked a few questions and cleared immediately. That’s what border management should look like — smart, swift, and secure,” he said.
“A Journey that Redefines Service and Sisterhood”
The Comptroller-General concluded his remarks by celebrating Ogboru’s expedition as more than a personal achievement.
“Her journey is a mirror — reflecting what Customs can be, what Africa can become, and what women can achieve,” Adeniyi said. “She carried not just our flag, but our hope across two continents.”
The “Ride Beyond Borders” homecoming ceremony took place at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, Abuja, bringing together senior customs officials, media representatives, and women advocacy groups. The event celebrated the triumph of Assistant Comptroller Akpevwe Attracta Ogboru, who embarked on a solo motorcycle expedition through 22 countries in 72 days, promoting African integration, women empowerment, and cross-border cooperation.