The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has received strong support from the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in the Nigerian Customs Service’s (NCS) drive for revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts.
This endorsement followed Olomu’s visit to the Oba’s palace, part of a broader customs community relations initiative aimed at garnering support from host communities for government fiscal policies and compliance from the trading community.
During the recent courtesy visit, Olomu emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in promoting and supporting fiscal compliance. He also conveyed warm greetings from the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
“We are here to seek your royal blessings and to solicit your support in ensuring that your subjects and stakeholders comply fully with government fiscal policies,” Olomu stated. He further highlighted the significant economic role of Lagos and the Apapa port, noting that the Apapa area command is responsible for generating N2.3 trillion of the NCS’s total projected revenue of N5.1 trillion for the fiscal year 2024.
Olomu stressed the importance of collaboration with traditional institutions to achieve these revenue targets and successfully implement government policies. He also underscored the need to combat the smuggling of adulterated drugs, which poses severe public health risks.
Oba Akiolu expressed satisfaction with the Customs Service’s efforts and called for stricter measures against the smuggling of prohibited and adulterated drugs. “Smuggling of drugs, adulterated or substandard, poses a great threat to our nation,” he said. “We must continue to educate and appeal to our citizens to understand the dangers of these illicit activities.”
The Oba praised the collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug smuggling and assured Olomu of his unwavering support. “I assure you of my support any time, any day. May God Almighty take care of the officers under your command and prepare you adequately for your future endeavors,” he said.
Oba Akiolu also advised the officers to prioritize their health and the education of their children. “Educate your children and look after your health. I am 81 years old now, and it is by God’s grace. God will also do it for you,” he remarked.
The visit concluded with mutual assurances of cooperation and commitment to combating drug smuggling, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
Olomu’s visit to the Oba of Lagos followed a similar visit to the Oba of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire, which marked the first such visit to the Ijora palace in thirty years, further strengthening customs community relations.
