A female officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Akpevwe Ogboru, has returned home after completing an extraordinary 72-day motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium and back. She embarked on the trip on 1 August 2025 and arrived home on Saturday, 11 October 2025, the Service confirmed.
Ogboru was warmly welcomed at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post by senior officers, including the host Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, alongside other Area Controllers within Zone A.
Recounting her journey, which spanned 22 countries across Africa and Europe, Ogboru said: “It’s been 72 days in 22 countries, and I’m happy to be finally back. I just like to stay on the positive side of life. When challenges came, I prayed about them. Sometimes the bike would only have a little issue when I arrived in a country, so I would just handle it.”
She revealed that her adventure was motivated by a mission to empower women and encourage them to pursue their dreams fearlessly. “This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child. Be strong, don’t be discouraged. Anything you set your mind to do, do it. Don’t allow anybody to discourage you,” she said.
Ogboru named her motorcycle Rocky, describing it as a symbol of endurance and resilience. She also expressed hope that her journey would strengthen Africa–Europe relations and inspire collaborative growth. “Africa and Europe can do better. We have things to learn from each other, and I hope this experience encourages progress on both sides,” she said.
Comptroller Adenuga praised Ogboru for her courage and dedication, noting that her feat reflects the leadership values of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC). “With this achievement, she has put Nigeria on the world map. Trade facilitation will improve under the CGC’s vision,” he said.
Ogboru is the first female Nigeria Customs Service officer to undertake and complete such a journey, earning widespread admiration across the Service.