The Nigeria Customs Service Seme Area Command is collaborating with key stakeholders to eradicate trade hindrances affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit to the Palaces of traditional rulers and heads of sister security agencies, signifying commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the federal government’s economic policies.
Speaking at the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing on of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, who was a well-recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
“”The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling…In the Customs Service, believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we cannot have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers,” he said.
Responding, the Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Kaila as the son of the soil, added that “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade.”
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signified his commitment to fostering the Service relationship with residents living within the border community.
“I welcome you to Badagry. Be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need arises. In our town, our youths do not engage in illegalities. I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he stated.
At the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the King, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye, commended and described Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well-respected officer as described by indigenes of the border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, the controller visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve Badagry.
The Air Force Base formation expressed readiness to always support the Command in achieving its mandate, as the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
“Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted,” he said
The familirisation tour rounded off with the CAC seeking mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
