By Tunde Ojudun
The Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, on Sunday, December 7, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja. The visit underscored the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in pursuit of national economic and security objectives.
During the visit, Comptroller Aliyu expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and the enduring support the Command has received from the Olubadan and the people of Ibadan. He emphasized the critical role of traditional leadership in promoting peace, economic growth, and community cooperation.
“Ibadan remains a vital commercial hub, and the support of traditional rulers like the Olubadan is essential in ensuring a secure and prosperous environment,” Aliyu stated. He reaffirmed the Service’s unwavering commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling enforcement.
The Comptroller appealed to the Olubadan to continue engaging the youth and business community in discouraging smuggling and other illicit activities that threaten national development. He also assured that Customs officers would uphold professionalism and cultural sensitivity in their interactions with host communities.
Highlighting the existing synergy between the Command and the Palace, Comptroller Aliyu called for sustained collaboration to counter evolving smuggling tactics and enhance legitimate trade. In his response, the Olubadan commended the Customs Service for its efforts and urged continued vigilance in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and economic interests.
The visit concluded with Comptroller Aliyu seeking the royal blessings of the Olubadan for wisdom, strength, and protection as the Command continues its mission to serve the nation and deepen stakeholder engagement.