Oba of Lagos Seeks End to Drug Abuse, Peddling.
The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, received the backing of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in the drive for revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts.
The endorsement from the royal leader came after Olomu’s visit to the palace as part of customs community relations efforts to gain support from host communities for government fiscal policies and compliance by trading community members.
During a recent courtesy visit to the palace, Olomu stressed the crucial role of traditional institutions in promoting and supporting fiscal compliance.
He also conveyed warm greetings from the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
“We are here to seek your royal blessings and to ask for your support in ensuring that your subjects and stakeholders fully comply with government fiscal policies,” Olomu stated.
He further explained that the Nigerian Customs Service aims to generate a total of N5.1 trillion in the fiscal year 2024, with the Apapa area command responsible for N2.3 trillion of that amount.
Emphasizing the significance of Lagos and Apapa port to the nation’s economy, Olomu highlighted the need for collaboration with traditional institutions to achieve projected revenue and ensure the successful implementation of government policies.
He also underscored the importance of addressing the smuggling of adulterated drugs, which poses a significant threat to public health and safety.
Oba Akinolu expressed satisfaction with the Customs Service’s efforts and urged for stricter measures to combat the smuggling of prohibited and adulterated drugs into the country.
During his meeting with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) leadership, Oba Akinolu emphasized the severe threat posed by drug smuggling, expressing concern about the detrimental impact on the nation.
He commended the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for their successful collaboration in combating this illicit trade.
The monarch reassured the NCS leader of his unwavering support and urged the officers to prioritize their health and education for their children.
The visit concluded with mutual pledges of cooperation in the fight against drug smuggling, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
Oba Akinolu also highlighted the significance of the visit as part of efforts to strengthen customs community relations, noting it as the first of its kind in the last thirty years.
