Customs, Media Must Work Together for Nigeria’s Prosperity — Lilypond Command Ag. Controller, DC Salako
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Olusola Salako, has described the Service and the media as partners in progress, stressing the need for both sides to work together towards the prosperity of Nigeria.
Salako stated this when the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), led by its President, Ismail Aniemu, paid a courtesy visit to the command to strengthen relations and establish a more effective working synergy on Wednesday.
The Acting Controller said the shared objective of Customs and maritime journalists is to contribute to national development, particularly through trade facilitation and the growth of Nigeria’s export sector.
He noted that maritime journalists play an important role in communicating the activities and initiatives of the Service to the wider public and urged the media to continue to give the command the cooperation required to effectively communicate its work.
Salako said the command is guided by the consolidation, innovation and collaboration agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, adding that Customs’ modernisation efforts are contributing to improved trade facilitation.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the country’s export capacity, urging exporters, particularly those operating under the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) framework, to take advantage of the benefits available to them.
According to him, greater attention should also be given to developing indigenous shipping capacity to enable Nigerian exporters move their goods more efficiently and seamlessly while supporting economic growth.
Earlier, Aniemu said MARCON’s visit was aimed at interacting with the command and building a stronger working relationship with the Customs leadership.
He described the Lilypond Export Command as critical to the country’s non-oil export drive, noting its role in facilitating the consolidation of exports and supporting the broader objective of expanding Nigeria’s economic base.
Aniemu said MARCON is encouraged by the progress being recorded in the export sector and expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders would contribute to positive growth for the Nigerian economy.
He congratulated Salako on his appointment as Acting Controller and wished him success in the responsibilities before him, assuring him of MARCON’s support towards achieving the command’s goals and objectives.
The MARCON President also stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the command and maritime journalists, noting that effective communication and collaboration would help strengthen the relationship between Customs and the maritime media.
