BATN, Alaafin Join Forces with Oyo/Osun Customs to Boost Revenue, Tackle Smuggling
The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command has stepped up efforts to drive revenue, promote legitimate trade and tackle smuggling in the State through intensified stakeholders’ engagement.
During a courtesy visit to the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) on Thursday, 5 March 2026, by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole and his delegation, the Command strengthened partnership and boost collaboration with BATN officials.
The Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq welcomed the team, showing BATN’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria Customs.
He acknowledged the vital role played by the Service in facilitating legitimate trade, protecting the nation’s border and supporting local industries.
Ishtiaq assured the Acting Customs Area Controller of the company’s continued commitment to regulatory compliance and collaboration with the NCS.
Earlier, the Acting Area Controller commended BATN for its long-standing partnership with the Service, particularly in trade facilitation and compliance with extant customs laws and regulations.
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DC Adewole emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between the Service and the company, soliciting continued support to ensure effective revenue collection in line with the statutory mandate of the Service.
Similarly, the Acting Area Controller paid homage to Alaafin of Oyo Palace, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Hakeem Owoade, solicited his support against smuggling.
DC Adewole appealed to the Alaafin to leverage his influence to engage community members on the risk of smuggling and its economic impact.
Responding, the Alaafin assured the acting Area Controller of Royal support in engaging the youth on the need to shun smuggling and promote lawful trade.
The Acting Customs Area Controller concluded reaffirming the commitment of the Oyo/Osun Area Command to strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, traditional institutions, and other members of the public to enhance revenue generation, promote legitimate trade, and support the economic prosperity of the nation.
This information was contained in a statement issued to journalists by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I, Akintola Abdulmalik on Thursday.