Customs: Comptroller Kaila Engages Stakeholders to Tackle Trade Barriers Along Lagos–Abidjan Corridor

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Shuaibu Kaila, has intensified efforts to eliminate trade barriers along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor through strategic stakeholder engagement.

During a series of familiarisation visits to traditional rulers and heads of security agencies along the Seme-krake Border axis, the Area Controller reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to delivering on the Service’s core mandates, particularly trade facilitation, revenue generation, and anti-smuggling operations, and also sought their support in achieving the goals.

The engagements aimed at addressing bottlenecks hindering the seamless movement of goods and services across the corridor.

Speaking during a visit to the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Comptroller Kaila condoled with the royal family and the people of Badagry over the passing of the monarch, HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing him as a highly respected traditional ruler across border communities.

He said, “The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers”.

In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Comptroller Kaila as a son of the soil, assuring him of the community’s support.

He said, “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade”.

At the Palace of the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, Oba Israel Okoya also pledged support for the Command, emphasising the role of community leadership in maintaining order.

‎”I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate,” Oba Okoya assured.

Similarly, the Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye, commended Comptroller Kaila, describing him as a seasoned and respected officer. He pledged continued collaboration to sustain peace and compliance within the border communities.

‎”I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said

In furtherance of the inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Headquarters of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base in Ahanve-Badagry, where the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to support Customs operations.

‎”Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said

The familiarisation tour according to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, SC JT Ayagbalo, also extended to the Republic of Benin Police Command, underscoring the Controller’s commitment to fostering cross-border cooperation in tackling impediments to trade and ensuring the free flow of legitimate goods and services.

The renewed stakeholder engagement drive, according to the Command, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance trade efficiency and strengthen security along the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.