By Ajibola Adedoye
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu has praised the cooperative effort of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in combating drug smuggling noting that the outgrown of this performance has been excellent so far.
The commendation came following the
visit of the Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, to the palace of the Oba as part of Customs community relations effort to achieve host communities support for government financial programs and compliance by members of the trading community.
Speaking during the visit to the palace, Olomu who conveyed warm felicitations from the Comptroller- General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi also emphasized the critical part of traditional institutions in promoting and supporting financial compliance.
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In his words, “We’re here to seek your royal blessings and to solicit your support in ensuring that your subjects and stakeholders fully comply with government financial policies.
“The Nigerian Customs Service is anticipated to induce an aggregate of N5.1 trillion in 2024 fiscal year, with the Apapa Area Command responsible for generating N2.3 trillion of that quantum. This underscores the significance of Lagos and Apapa harborage to our nation’s economy,” he said.
He explained that collaboration with traditional institutions is essential to achieving the projected profit and icing the successful perpetration of government programs. He also stressed the need to minimize the smuggling of adulterated drugs, which poses a significant trouble to public health and safety.
In his comment, the Lagos monarch expressed satisfaction with the Customs Service’s efforts and called for stricter measures to combat the smuggling of banned drugs into the country.
He stressed that “Smuggling of adulterated drugs poses a great trouble to our nation. The annihilation it wreaks on our people is immense. We must continue to educate and appeal to our citizens to understand the troubles of these lawless conditioning. The Nigerian Customs Service, under your leadership, plays a vital part in this fight,” the monarch said.
He still assured Olomu of his unvarying support, saying, “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 trials.”
Oba Akinolu also advised the officers to prepare for their future by educating their children and maintaining their health.
“Educate your children and look after your health. I’m 81 years old now, and it’s by God’s grace. God will also do it for you,” he remarked.
The visit concluded with collective assurances of cooperation and commitment to fighting the imminence of medicine smuggling, ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.
Recall that Olomu had recently 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.
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