As part of efforts to have seamless operations and to further strengthen the ties between Nigeria Customs Service of the Oyo/Osun Area Command and its host communities, the Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command Dr. Ben Oramalugo embarked on a familiarization visits to outstations in border towns/areas of Oyo and Osun States on the 24th and 25th of October 2023.
According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Kayode Wey, during the visits, the controller paid homage to the Soun of Ogbomoso land, the Okere of Saki land both in Oyo State; the Ataoja of Osogbo land, the Ogunsua of Modakeke land and the Ooni of Ife land, all in Osun State.
Oramalugo stated that the initiative was directed by the Comptrollers General Of Customs Bashiru Adewale Adeniyi MFR and it 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 as well as mitigate conflict between members of the respective communities and Officers of the Command.
During the visits, the Customs Area Controller, along with a delegation of high ranking Customs Officials, engaged in fruitful discussions with the respective esteemed Traditional Rules in the two states.
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.
The Customs Area Controller expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded him and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Service and Traditional Rulers for the effective implementation of Federal Government policies and regulations which are to be enforced by the Oyo/Osun Command.
Recognizing the vital role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and leaders of their respective community, Oramalugo stated that the visits were also aimed at increasing the understanding and raising awareness about Customs operations, regulations and the importance of compliance, amongst the respective host communities.
He added that the engagements and endeavors were meant to promote a harmonious relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Citizens it serves.
He underscored the commitment of Customs to promote trade facilitation, combat smuggling of contraband items, arms and ammunition and hard drugs, and enhance revenue generation through the enforcement of laws and regulations. The controller 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 Controller 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 and its commands for better service delivery.
The respective Traditional Rulers assured Oramalugo of their support and commitment to work hand in hand with the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service to promote legal trade activities and combat illicit trade practices within their respective domains.
The controller assured the respective Traditional Rulers that the command remains dedicated to building strong relationship with the host communities including traditional rulers as part of its ongoing efforts to promote transparency, efficiency and accountability in Customs operations within Oyo and Osun States.
He added that by fostering collaboration and understanding, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service aims to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade activities, economic growth and community development.
