The Comptroller of the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command, Joseph Adelaja, has reiterated the importance of collaboration in tackling smuggling at border stations, emphasising that intelligence sharing and synergy among agencies are key to effective enforcement.
Adelaja spoke on Tuesday when the Chief Superintendent of Customs, O.M. Olanrewaju, led a delegation from the Nigeria Customs Liaison Office, Cotonou, Benin Republic, on a courtesy visit to the command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
In his welcome address, Adelaja acknowledged the significance of the Liaison Office in strengthening cross-border relations, stressing that the visit aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, B.A. Adeniyi, which is anchored on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
These were contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Oyo/Osun Command’s Assistant Superintendent of Customs II and Public Relations Officer, Abdulmalik Akintola, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan.
Speaking further, Adelaja assured the delegation of the command’s full support in facilitating their duties and encouraged them to extend similar cooperation by enhancing intelligence sharing.
“Such collaboration is crucial in combating smuggling activities at border stations under the command’s jurisdiction,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining strong inter-agency relationships to enhance trade facilitation and ensure national security.
In response, Olanrewaju expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended to his team, stating that the visit was aimed at strengthening ties and fostering a better working relationship with the Oyo/Osun Command.
He further highlighted the core functions of the Nigeria Customs Liaison Office, noting that they include fostering cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Republic of Benin Customs, facilitating trade between both nations, organising bilateral meetings, and enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing between Customs formations at border areas.
“Our operational responsibilities cover the Idiroko border, Kwara, and Oyo State borders, and we are fully committed to strengthening cooperation in these strategic areas,” Olanrewaju stated.
He emphasised that reinforcing collaboration between border stations would significantly improve the effectiveness of anti-smuggling measures and enhance trade facilitation, which is central to the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.