By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating trade barriers and enhancing the free movement of goods and services along the Lagos–Abidjan business corridor. Comptroller Abdullahi S. Kaila, Area Controller of the Command, emphasized this during a series of familiarisation visits to traditional rulers and sister security agencies in Badagry.
Speaking at the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Comptroller Kaila extended condolences on the passing of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing him as a highly respected traditional ruler across border communities. He noted that the Customs Service’s mandate—revenue generation, trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling—requires the cooperation of traditional institutions.
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, pledged continued collaboration, affirming Badagry’s reputation as a peaceful town committed to promoting legitimate trade.
Similar assurances were received from other monarchs, including Oba Israel Okoya of Ibereko Awori Kingdom and HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye of Apa Kingdom, both of whom promised to mobilize their communities in support of Customs’ mandate.
To consolidate inter-agency synergy, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Headquarters of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base in Ahanve-Badagry, where Commanding Officer Group Captain Hungruy Medugu reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between both services. The Controller further extended his engagement to the Republic of Benin Police office, underscoring readiness to eradicate cross-border trade hindrances.
Comptroller Kaila’s outreach reflects the Service’s alignment with Federal Government economic policies, highlighting the role of community and inter-agency partnerships in fostering regional trade integration.