The Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Ibadan to seek enhanced collaboration in the area of security.
In a statement by signed by Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, the spokesperson of Oyo/Osun Customs, Comptroller Adelaja was accompanied by principal officers of the Command.
In his address, the Comptroller expressed gratitude to Ibadan NSCDC for the warm reception – and acknowledged the agency’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding national assets, ensuring public safety, and maintaining peace and security across the nation.
He stressed the need for improved partnership between the NCS and the NSCDC, stating that both agencies share a common goal of protecting the nation’s interests and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Adelaja highlighted the core functions of the Service to the principal officers of the NSCDC, including revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, and suppression of smuggling.
The Oyo/Osun Customs boss affirmed that the combined efforts of both agencies are crucial to achieving optimal security and promoting lawful trade across the country.
He commended the NSCDC’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and combatting vandalism, explaining that the dedication of the security agency complements the efforts of the NCS in securing the nation’s borders and enhancing lawful trade activities.
Comptroller Adelaja acknowledged the evolving security challenges, emphasising the importance of enhancing collaboration between the agencies in areas such as intelligence sharing, capacity building, and public sensitisation.
On his part, the NSCDC State Commandant, Mr. Augustine Ayodeji Padonu showered encomium on Adelaja for the visit while reiterating the agency’s antecedent of a cordial relationship with Customs.
Padonu assured the Comptroller of leveraging on the already existing relationship between both agencies, pointing out the importance of intelligence sharing and operational consolidation in enhancing the discharge of the primary duties of both agencies.
He stressed the need to sensitise the junior rank officers of both agencies on unhealthy rivalry, and making them realise that they share a common goal of protecting the members of the public and safeguarding the nation’s borders.
