By Olubunmi ISIOPHKE
In line with the Comptroller General of Customs policy thrust of Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation aimed to generate more revenue, suppress smuggling to the barest minimum and enhance trade facilitation, the Customs Area Controller, CAC, Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has gotten the support of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu for the service drive for revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling.
This information was disclosed by the royal father, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, sequel to the visit by Olomu to the palace of the Oba as part of customs community relations effort to achieve host communities support for government fiscal policies and compliance by members of the trading community.
In his remarks, Compt. Olomu, said, “The critical role of traditional institutions in promoting and supporting fiscal policies compliance cannot be overemphasized.” While also conveying warm greetings from the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR
His words: “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.”
The CAC posited, “The Nigerian Customs Service is expected to generate a total of N5.1 trillion in the fiscal year 2024, with the Apapa area command responsible for generating N2.3 trillion of that amount. This underscores the importance of Lagos and Apapa port to our nation’s economy.”
Compt. Olomu, asserted, “Collaboration with traditional institutions is essential to achieving the projected revenue and ensuring the successful implementation of government policies. And the need to minimize the smuggling of adulterated drugs, which poses a significant threat to public health and safety.”
In his response, Oba Akinolu, said, “We are satisfied with the Customs Service’s efforts and call for stricter measures to combat the smuggling of prohibited and adulterated drugs into the country.”
The royal father, reaffirmed, “Smuggling of drugs, adulterated or substandard, poses a great threat to our nation. The havoc it wreaks on our people is immense. We must continue to educate and appeal to our citizens to understand the dangers of these illicit activities. The Nigerian Customs Service, under your leadership, plays a pivotal role in this fight.”
The Oba praised the efforts and collaboration of the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), highlighting their excellent performance in combating drug smuggling.
His words: “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.”
Oba Akinolu also advised the officers to prepare for their future by educating their children and maintaining their health.
He added, “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.”
The visit concluded with mutual assurances of cooperation and commitment to fighting the menace of drug smuggling, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
In a related development, Compt. Olomu visited the Oba of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aromire, as part of efforts to strengthen customs community relations which the monarch noted to be the first of its kind visit to his palace in the last thirty years.
