The Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Gambo Iyere Aliyu, on Tuesday, sought the continued support and cooperation of royal fathers in enlightening their subjects on the dangers and implications of smuggling and other illicit trade activities.
The Area Comptroller made the remarks when he paid familiarisation visits to the palaces of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II; and Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, as part of strategic efforts to strengthen collaboration with traditional institutions.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and members of the management team, to the royal fathers for their warm reception, the Area Controller also commended their tireless efforts in maintaining peace, unity, and stability within their respective domains and acknowledged their vital roles as custodians of cultural heritage and tradition.
He used the occasion to reiterate the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, noting that smuggling and other illicit acts are detrimental to the safety, security, and economic well-being of the nation.
Responding, the monarchs, who appreciated the visits of the Customs Area Controller to their respective palaces, assured him of their continued cooperation and support in the collective efforts towards the suppression of smuggling and the facilitation of legitimate trade.
The visit, according to a statement by the Area Command’s spokesman, ASC Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, forms part of Comptroller Gambo’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders aimed at fostering stronger community relations, promoting transparency, and enhancing public trust in the Nigeria Customs Service.