By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intensified efforts to eliminate trade barriers affecting the free movement of goods and services along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor through sustained engagement with key stakeholders.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, disclosed this during a series of familiarisation visits to traditional rulers and sister security agencies within the Badagry axis.
The CAC also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, Oba Israel Okoya.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SC J.T. Ayagbalo, the visits are aimed at strengthening stakeholder cooperation in line with the Federal Government’s priorities on trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations.
During a visit to the palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Comptroller Kaila commiserated with the royal family over the passing of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing the late monarch as a respected figure in border governance and community development.
He said the engagement was part of efforts to deepen collaboration with traditional institutions to achieve the Service’s mandate.
“The purpose of my visit is to formally introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to seek your royal support in achieving our mandate. We remain focused on revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling, but we cannot succeed without the cooperation of traditional rulers and host communities,” he said.
Responding, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, assured the Command of the community’s continued support, noting that Badagry remains peaceful and committed to lawful trade and border security.
At the palace of the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, Oba Israel Okoya also pledged support for Customs operations, stating that residents are law-abiding and willing to cooperate with security agencies.
Similarly, at the palace of the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended the CAC, describing him as a seasoned officer whose leadership would enhance border operations.
In a bid to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, the CAC also visited the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base, Ahanve-Badagry, where the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, reaffirmed the Air Force’s commitment to continued collaboration with Customs.
The visit also extended to the Republic of Benin Police office, reinforcing cross-border security coordination and efforts to address challenges affecting trade along the corridor.
The Seme Area Command reiterated its commitment to sustained stakeholder engagement as a key strategy for improving trade flow, border security, and economic growth along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.
