The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its efforts to combat smuggling following visits to traditional leaders across its area of responsibility.
The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, paid courtesy visits to the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Command‘s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, the visits formed part of DC Adewole’s stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at fostering stronger relationships with traditional authorities whose leadership and influence are critical to mobilising community support for government policies and initiatives.
During his visit to the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Adewole appreciated the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation, noting that the NCS recognises the important role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace, security, and order within communities.
He reaffirmed the Command‘s commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, while seeking the support of community leaders in sensitising residents on the negative impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
In his response, Oba Adeyeri III commended the Service for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s economy and assured the Controller of the continued support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling and promoting lawful trade within the community.
Similarly, during the visit to the palace of the Soun of Ogbomosho, DC Adewole reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to enhance operational effectiveness, adding that community cooperation is vital to the success of Customs operations.
In his remarks, Oba Olaoye described the visit as timely and commendable, assuring the Controller of the support of the people of Ogbomosho in assisting Customs in its efforts to combat smuggling and promote legitimate trade.
The visits highlight the Command‘s commitment to strengthening synergy with traditional institutions as key partners in ensuring economic stability, security, and national development.
