A female officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller (AC) Akpevwe Ogboru, has successfully completed a remarkable 72-day solo motorbike journey from Nigeria to Belgium and back — becoming the first female officer in the Service to achieve such a feat.
According to a statement released by the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogboru embarked on the transcontinental adventure on August 1, 2025, and returned to the country on October 11, 2025.
She was received at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post by senior Customs officials, including the Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, and other officers from Zone A Command.
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Speaking with journalists upon her return, Ogboru expressed gratitude for completing the journey, which covered 22 countries across Africa and Europe.
“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,” she said, reflecting on the challenges faced during the expedition. “When challenges came, I prayed about them… sometimes the bike would have a little issue, but I managed it.”
Ogboru noted that her mission was to inspire women to pursue their dreams with courage and determination, regardless of societal limitations. “This ride was for women’s inclusivity and the empowerment of the girl-child,” she said.
“It’s to encourage all women — be strong, don’t be discouraged. When you listen to fear, it cripples you, but when you move with positivity, everything works out.”
She named her motorbike Rocky, symbolizing endurance and resilience, and expressed hope that her journey would foster stronger Africa–Europe relations.
“Africa and Europe can do better,” she remarked. “We have things to learn from each other, and I hope this experience encourages progress on both sides.”
Welcoming her back, Comptroller Wale Adenuga praised Ogboru for her courage and perseverance, describing her as an inspiration to the Service and to Nigerian women.
“We have a Comptroller-General who believes in inclusivity and empowerment,” Adenuga said, referencing the support Ogboru received from the NCS leadership. “With this achievement, she has put Nigeria on the world map.”
Ogboru’s achievement has since attracted widespread commendation within the Customs Service and beyond, symbolizing a milestone for female representation in Nigeria’s public sector.
