Ag. Controller Adewole Strengthens Partnership with BATN, Seeks Alaafin’s Support to Curb Smuggling
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, has stepped up stakeholder engagement efforts with visits to British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) and the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, aimed at boosting revenue generation and strengthening the fight against smuggling.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Akintola Abdulmalik.
Adewole, accompanied by members of the command’s management team, paid a courtesy visit to the BATN facility on Thursday ,5th March, 2026, where they were received by the company’s Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq. The visit formed part of efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen collaboration with key industry players involved in excise duty payments.
During the engagement, the Acting Controller commended BATN for its significant contribution to national revenue through the payment of excise duties and for maintaining compliance with laws guiding excise operations in the country.
He described the company as one of the critical stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service in promoting legitimate trade and enhancing government revenue, adding that sustained cooperation between Customs and private sector operators is essential to achieving the Service’s statutory mandate.
Responding, BATN’s Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, expressed appreciation for the visit and recognition by the Service, noting that the engagement reflects the strong working relationship between the company and the Nigeria Customs Service.
He also commended the Service for its dedication to revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade and protection of the nation’s borders, assuring that BATN would continue to comply fully with all regulatory requirements.
In a related development, Adewole also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, where he acknowledged the traditional institution as a custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
He appealed to the monarch to support the Service’s anti-smuggling campaign by sensitizing members of the community on the dangers of smuggling and the need to embrace lawful economic activities that promote national development.
In his response, the Alaafin commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in protecting the country’s economic interests through effective revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations. The monarch pledged the palace’s support in educating the people of Oyo and surrounding communities on the need to shun smuggling and embrace lawful economic activities.
One Comment