From left: Deputy Governor, Oyo State, His Excellency Adebayo Lawal presents a plaque to the acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi during a working visit to the state Monday.

Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has made strong case for strategic partnership among stakeholders including the Oyo State Government in line with the service’s renewed efforts to curb against smuggling in the country.

Speaking when he visited the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Adebayo Lawal, Monday, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the newly appointed Comptroller General noted that it has become crucial for relevant stakeholders in the Nigerian project to join hands with the service to curb the scourge of smuggling, which impacts negatively on the economy.

Stating the purpose of his visit, the CGC noted that smuggling threatens the security of the nation and hence, should be a matter of concern for all tiers of government in Nigeria.

He said: “It is important for us to call on the state government to partner us in this fight against smuggling, particularly around the border areas.

“We believe that the time has come for us to work closely with each other, strengthen our partnership, and understand ourselves better so that we will know that we are working towards a shared goal of national development and security”.

In response, the Deputy Governor urged officers to exercise discretion while chasing smugglers and pay more attention to the criminals who import arms and ammunition as part of efforts to curtail the increasing in the country.

“More attention must be paid to criminals who import arms and ammunition. If you’re able to catch criminals attempting to import arms and ammunition into the country for illegal purposes, that will save more lives”, he said.

Similarly, in line with the policy to foster Customs Community relationship, the CGC also visited the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, the Olubadan of Ibadan, to pay homage and to seek his continued support in the discharge of the mandates of the service.

The Customs boss also visited the Oyo/Osun Area Command, where he was received by the Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.

In his address to officers and men of the command, the CGC charged them to be responsible with their weapons when carrying out enforcement duties.

“Be reminded that under our Standard Operating Procedure SOP, these weapons are only meant to be used for self-defence when you come under attack.

“We must never hear stories about you chasing smugglers into high residential areas or in the market”, he warned.

The Area Controller, Comptroller Jaiyeoba, appreciated the new CGC for his visit and unwavering support.

“This visit is particularly significant, and it symbolises not only the dedication and commitment of the CGC to his duties, but also his unwavering support for our command.

“His visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have undoubtedly set a new benchmark for the entire Customs community”, he said.

While engaging with stakeholders, the CGC affirmed the management’s readiness to partner stakeholders across board.

“We have a new Customs management committed to forging a solid partnership with you. We will walk along with you as you progress in our development, modernisation and engagement. We will like to bring you on board and make you part of our moving forward”, the CGC also assured.