Nigeria Customs Strengthens Partnership with British American Tobacco Nigeria, Seeks Alaafin’s Support Against Smuggling
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has strengthened its collaboration with British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) to enhance revenue generation and promote legitimate trade, while also seeking the support of the Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, in the fight against smuggling.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, DC Wale Moses Adewole, led members of the command’s management team on a courtesy visit to BATN on Thursday as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders involved in revenue generation.
During the visit, Adewole commended BATN for its consistent contribution to government revenue through excise duties and for maintaining compliance with the laws regulating excise operations.
He described the company as a critical stakeholder of the Nigeria Customs Service in promoting legitimate trade and boosting national revenue.
Adewole emphasised the need for sustained cooperation between the Service and the company, urging BATN to continue supporting the Customs Service in achieving its statutory mandate of effective revenue collection.
Responding, the Director of Operations at British American Tobacco Nigeria, Hasnain Ishtiaq, thanked the Acting Customs Area Controller and his delegation for the visit and for recognising the organisation’s role as a key stakeholder.
Ishtiaq commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of the country’s borders, noting that these responsibilities contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.
He assured the command of BATN’s continued cooperation and commitment to complying fully with all regulatory requirements.
In a related development, Adewole also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, where he acknowledged the traditional institution as a custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people.
The Acting Customs Area Controller appealed to the monarch to sensitise members of the community on the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on the nation’s economy.
In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s economy through effective revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
The monarch assured the command of the palace’s support in educating residents of Oyo and neighbouring communities on the need to avoid smuggling and engage in lawful economic activities.
Adewole reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo/Osun Area Command to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, traditional institutions, and the public to enhance revenue generation, promote legitimate trade, and support national economic prosperity.
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