Customs Strengthens Revenue Generation Partnerships in Oyo State

The Acting Customs Area Controller for the Oyo/Osun Area Command, DC Wale Moses Adewole, has launched a renewed initiative to enhance revenue generation and promote legitimate trade through strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) and local traditional institutions.

In a significant move, DC Adewole and his management team visited BATN on Thursday, where they were received by the Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq. During the visit, Adewole lauded BATN for its substantial contributions to the Nigeria Customs Service through excise duties, praising the company’s compliance with existing regulations governing excise operations.

“British American Tobacco Nigeria is a vital stakeholder in our mission to promote legitimate trade and enhance national revenue,” Adewole stated, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing cooperation to optimize revenue collection in line with the Customs Service’s statutory obligations.

Mr. Ishtiaq expressed gratitude for the visit and recognition of BATN’s role in supporting revenue generation and border protection. He affirmed the company’s commitment to compliance and partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, which he identified as essential for Nigeria’s economic growth.

In a related development, the Customs Area Controller also visited the palace of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo. The visit underscored the importance of community collaboration in combating smuggling and fostering economic prosperity. Adewole urged the Alaafin to leverage his influence to educate the community about the repercussions of smuggling.

The Alaafin acknowledged the Customs Service’s ongoing efforts in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, offering his support in mobilizing community members to engage in lawful economic activities. He highlighted the role of traditional institutions as custodians of cultural heritage and community values.

DC Adewole reaffirmed the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s commitment to fostering partnerships with stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the public to support legitimate trade and national economic development.

The initiatives reflect the Nigeria Customs Service’s continued dedication to enhancing partnerships and mobilizing community engagement in the fight against smuggling, ultimately aimed at driving economic prosperity in Nigeria.