Seme Customs Moves to Dismantle Trade Barriers on Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, Engages Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies
Seme Customs Moves to Dismantle Trade Barriers on Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, Engages Traditional Rulers, Security Agencies
By Success Okezie
The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, is taking deliberate steps to dismantle trade barriers that hinder the seamless movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan business corridor, through sustained collaboration and proactive engagement with traditional rulers, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
The Area Controller revealed this during a series of familiarisation visits to the palaces of traditional rulers and the offices of heads of sister security agencies, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to delivering on the Nigeria Customs Service mandate in alignment with the Federal Government’s economic policies.
During his visit to the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Comptroller Dera Kaila commiserated with the royal family and the people of Badagry on the demise of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a traditional ruler whose leadership and influence were felt throughout border communities.
_“The purpose of my visit is to formally introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to solicit your royal blessing and support in achieving the core mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. Our primary focus remains revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling. We firmly believe that without the support and cooperation of traditional rulers, we cannot effectively discharge our statutory functions as Customs officers,”_ he said.’
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, who described Comptroller Kaila as “a son of the soil,” stated, “We have listened to your request. Be assured that Badagry is a peaceful town, and we will continue to collaborate with you in safeguarding our borders and promoting legitimate trade.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, affirmed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between the Service and residents of border communities.
“I welcome you to Badagry and assure you that I will always engage my people whenever necessary. In our town, our youth do not engage in illegalities, and I will do all I can to assist you in achieving the government’s mandate,” he stated.
At the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye* commended Comptroller Kaila, describing him as “a professional, seasoned, and well-respected officer,” a sentiment echoed by indigenes of border communities.
“I promise you that I will always assist you in my area whenever you need anything. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth listen to the elders, and I know that with your presence here, things will improve for the better,” he said.
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