The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, has sought the support of traditional institutions in tackling smuggling and promoting legitimate trade across the region.
Adewole made the appeal on Thursday during courtesy visits to the palaces of the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with key community stakeholders.
The visits, according to the Command, form part of its stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at building stronger relationships with traditional authorities whose influence remains vital in mobilising community support for government policies and initiatives.
Speaking at the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service recognises the significant role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace, security and order within communities.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade, while calling on community leaders to help sensitise residents on the damaging effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
In his response, Oba Adeyeri III commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in safeguarding the country’s economic interests and assured the Controller of the continued support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling and promoting lawful trade within the community.
Similarly, during a visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, Adewole stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of Customs operations, noting that community cooperation remains critical to achieving the Service’s objectives.
Responding, Oba Ghandi Olaoye described the visit as timely and commendable, pledging the support of the people of Ogbomosho in assisting the Nigeria Customs Service in its efforts to combat smuggling and encourage legitimate trade.
The Oyo/Osun Area Command said the engagements underscore its commitment to deepening collaboration with traditional institutions as strategic partners in promoting economic stability, security and national development.