Customs seek traditional rulers’ support to tackle smuggling

The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, said it is seeking strong collaboration with traditional rulers and other sister agencies to tackle smuggling and boost border security.

The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo, stated this during a two-day visit to traditional rulers and security agencies in Badagry, Lagos State.

He said that the visit emphasises the command’s unwavering commitment to promoting strong relationships with stakeholders, “reinforcing security measures and promoting seamless trade facilitation in the region.”

During the engagement, Oramalugo paid homage to the Oba Akran of Badagry and the Oba of Iberoko. He acknowledged the crucial role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and stability.

The Seme CAC reiterated the importance of synergy between the service and local authorities in ensuring a secure and conducive environment for legitimate trade.

Oramalugo emphasised that effective stakeholder collaboration remains a cornerstone of the command’s strategy to optimise revenue generation, “enhance border security, and contribute to national development.”

“Our mission at the command is beyond revenue collection, it extends to ensuring national security and fostering economic growth. Strong partnerships with traditional institutions and security agencies are vital in achieving these objectives,” he stated.

Oramalugo emphasised that effective stakeholder collaboration remains a cornerstone of the command’s strategy to optimise revenue generation, enhance border security, and contribute to national development.

He reiterated the need to collaborate with the relevant agencies to succeed. Oramalugo sought the assurance of the stakeholders to always come to their assistance when the need arose.

“I am here to build synergy with other security agencies so that I can succeed like I did in other commands. We are all working for Nigeria,” he stated.

As part of efforts to enhance inter-agency cooperation, Oramalugo also visited top security formations, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army 243 RECCE Battalion Regiment, the Nigerian Police Division, Badagry, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Discussions during these engagements centered on strengthening intelligence-sharing, improving border security, and fostering a more coordinated approach to tackling smuggling and other transborder crimes.