The Nigeria Customs Service says in a bid to further strengthen the ties between the service and host communities in Oyo and Osun states, it has embarked on familiarization visits to the two states in south-west Nigeria.
The Customs delegation led by the Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command Dr. Ben Oramalugo on Tuesday and Wednesday, visited the Soun of Ogbomoso land, the Okere of Saki land both in Oyo State; as well as the Ataoja of Osogbo land, the Ogunsua of Modakeke land and the Ooni of Ife land all in Osun State.
Oramalugo said that the initiative was directed by the Comptroller General of Customs Bashiru Adewale Adeniyi and aims to foster stronger relationships between the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service and the host communities, promote mutual understanding and cooperation and mitigate conflict between members of the respective communities and officers of the Command.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Kayode Wey, a Superintendent of Customs, during the visit, the Customs Area Controller, along with a delegation of high ranking officials of the service engaged in fruitful discussions with the respective esteemed traditional rules in the towns.
“Their discussions focused on various matters of interest, including trade facilitation, revenue generation, community development, and suppression of smuggling and the promotion of lawful trade practices,” Wey stated.
The Customs Area Controller, Oramalugo expressed his gratitude for the warm reception received and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Customs and traditional rulers for the effective implementation of Federal Government policies and regulations which are to be enforced by the Oyo/Osun Command.
“The Nigeria Customs Service recognises the vital role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and leaders of their respective communities. The visit is also aimed at increasing the understanding and raising awareness about Customs operations, regulations and the importance of compliance amongst the respective host communities,” Oramalugo said.
He reiterated the importance of publics’ support in achieving his objectives and expressed optimism for future collaboration and partnership with the respective traditional rulers in Oyo and Osun states.
The event served as a platform for dialogue, enabling the respective traditional rulers to share their invaluable insights and experiences regarding Custom related issues affecting their respective communities.
The respective traditional rulers expressed their appreciation for the visit and the opportunity to engage directly with the Customs Controller Area and his management team. They acknowledged the significance of Customs operations in maintaining national security, economic stability and the overall wellbeing of their communities, as they all called on the Federal Government to better equip the Nigeria Customs Service and its Commands for better service delivery.
