The Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on Customs and Excise has expressed its appreciation for the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, for its dedicated efforts in fostering collaboration among agencies and cultivating a strong rapport with the border community and pertinent stakeholders.
Led by Chairman Senator Francis Ade Fadahunsi MFR, the Committee extended its commendation on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, during their visit to the Command. This visit was part of the committee’s oversight duties, prompted by earlier grievances about conflicts between certain Commands and their neighboring communities.
Present at the meeting were Honorable Joseph Gbenu, Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, representatives from Sister Agencies, as well as relevant Stakeholders and Youth Leaders from the border communities. Senator Fadahunsi emphasized that the purpose of the visit was connected to three petitions submitted to the Senate, albeit not recent, detailing claims of recurrent clashes and fatalities involving residents of border communities, allegedly at the hands of Security Agencies, including Customs. In response, the Senate leadership mandated the ad-hoc Committee to undertake a fact-finding mission.
He elucidated, “We are here due to three petitions that were submitted to the Senate, not recently though, highlighting allegations of persistent and frequent fatalities, as well as sporadic gunfire by security personnel, particularly those under the Customs.”
Senator Fadahunsi was swift to acknowledge the robust and positive connection between the Security Agencies, spearheaded by Customs’ Seme Area Command, and the border communities. This was evident from the discussions and interactions during the meeting. He urged Customs Area Controller Comptroller Dera Nnadi to propose measures that would enhance an amicable rapport between the government and border communities, while also boosting revenue generation.
“We are counting on you to provide a substantive and prompt recommendation so that these issues do not resurface. This way, you can reach an agreement with these individuals,” he stated.
Delving into the Command’s undertakings, Comptroller Nnadi brought to light several Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives geared towards the host communities. These included the distribution of football jerseys and sports equipment to various youth groups within the border regions, as well as contributions of medical supplies to the Badagry General Hospital through the Customs Officers Wives Association, among other initiatives.
“We are strengthening the synergy between our Command and stakeholders, a fact that they can attest to. We have also amplified our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility,” affirmed Comptroller Nnadi.
He assured the committee of an ongoing harmonious partnership between the Command, Sister Security Agencies, and the border communities. This collaboration aims to ensure enduring peace for the collective benefit of Nigeria.
