The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has made a commitment to strengthen the relationship between Customs and border communities in order to enhance the discharge of its responsibilities. He emphasized the crucial role played by border communities in supporting security agencies’ efforts to uphold national security.
During his visit on August 6, 2023, to the Royal palaces of Oba John Olakunle Ojo, the Oniko of Iko Idiroko Kingdom; Oba Yisa Adeniyi Adelakun Olaniyan, the Onikpokia of Ikpokia Kingdom; and Oba Kehinde Adeboye Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Oba of Ilaro Kingdom, the Ag. CGC expressed the importance of their support for the success of Customs operations. He acknowledged the strategic significance of places like Idiroko, as they serve as gateways for trade, economic development, and national security management.
The community leaders appreciated the visit but also raised concerns about issues affecting their livelihoods. In response, the Customs Boss encouraged them to direct their concerns to the government, assuring them that the new administration values feedback and is open to policy revisions when necessary.
The Acting CGC promised that recruitment policies would be reevaluated to ensure that more individuals from border communities are given opportunities to serve in the Nigeria Customs Service. He believed that having sons and daughters from these communities in the service would strengthen the customs-community relationship.
The Customs Boss recognized the need for corporate social responsibility programs in border areas like Idiroko. He emphasized the importance of considering the impact of critical operations on the local communities and pledged to implement such initiatives.
The visit also included a meeting with the Ogun I Area Command at Idiroko, where the CGC reiterated the collective responsibility of all agencies to prioritize national and regional security. He emphasized that security agencies view criminals as enemies of the state and are dedicated to combating smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
The visit was part of the Acting CGC’s familiarization tour to Area Commands and Units in Zone ‘A’ as he seeks to enhance Customs’ operations and cooperation with border communities for the greater security and development of the nation.
