By Tunde Ojudun
In his efforts to deepen collaboration with critical stakeholders in revenue generation and the facilitation of legitimate trade, the Acting Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, led members of his management team on a courtesy visit to British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN).
During the visit, DC Adewole expressed appreciation to BATN’s management for their warm reception and commended the company’s significant contributions to national revenue through excise duties. He noted BATN’s consistent compliance with extant laws guiding excise operations, describing the company as a key stakeholder in promoting legitimate trade and enhancing revenue generation. He emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to ensure effective revenue collection in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Responding, BATN’s Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, thanked the Acting Controller and his delegation for recognizing BATN as a critical partner of the Service. He lauded the NCS for its dedication to revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of Nigeria’s borders—responsibilities that contribute significantly to national economic development. Mr. Ishtiaq assured Customs of BATN’s continued cooperation and full compliance with regulatory requirements.
In a related development, DC Adewole also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade. He acknowledged the Alaafin as a custodian of Yoruba cultural heritage and underscored the importance of community collaboration in the fight against smuggling. The Acting Controller appealed to the monarch to use his revered position to sensitize the community on the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on the nation’s economy.
The Alaafin, in his response, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to safeguarding the economy through effective revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. He assured the Acting Controller of the palace’s support in sensitizing the people of Oyo and its environs to shun smuggling and embrace lawful economic activities that contribute to national development.
Reaffirming his commitment, DC Adewole pledged that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will continue to strengthen partnerships with corporate stakeholders, traditional institutions, and the public to enhance revenue generation, promote legitimate trade, and support Nigeria’s economic prosperity.