In a bid 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 visit to Outstations in Border towns/areas of Oyo and Osun States on the 24th and 25th of October 2023.
This was disclosed by Kayode Wey, the command Public Relations Officer in a press statement.
According to him, Dr Ben Oramalugo stated that the initiative was directed by the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi 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 and mitigate conflict between members of the respective communities and Officers of the Command.
Kayode revealed that while on the familiarization visit, he 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.
” 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 region. 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 received and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and Traditional Rulers for the effective implementation of Federal Government policies and regulations which are to be enforced by the Oyo/Osun Command”.
The Command Public Relations Officer pointed that recognizing the vital role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and leaders of their respective community , Dr Ben Oramalugo stated that the visit is 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 engagement, endeavors to promote a harmonious relationship between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Citizens it serves.
“Dr. Ben Oramalugo underscore the commitment of Nigeria Customs Service to promote trade facilitation, combat smuggling of contraband items, arms and ammunitions and hard drugs and enhance revenue generation through the enforcement of laws and regulations. He reiterated the importance of publicsā support in achieving his objectives and expressed optimism for future collaboration and partnership with the respective Traditional Rulers in Oyo and Osun states”.
Kayode further made it known that 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 Customs Controller Area 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 Service and its Commands for better service delivery”.
“The respective Traditional Rulers assured the Customs Area Controller 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 Customs Area Controller Oyo/Osun Area Command of 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” .
