The Customs Area Comptroller, Apapa Port Command; Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has sought royal support for fiscal policy compliance from the Oba of Lagos; Rilwan Akiolu.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the palace on Thursday, the Comptroller emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in promoting and supporting fiscal compliance, while also conveying warm greetings from the Comptroller General of Customs; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“We are here to seek your royal blessings and to solicit your support in ensuring that your subjects and stakeholders comply fully with government fiscal policies,” Olomu stated.
Speaking further, he said: “The Nigeria Customs Service is expected to generate a total of N5.1 trillion in the fiscal year 2024, with the Apapa area command responsible for generating N2.3 trillion of that amount. This underscores the importance of Lagos and Apapa port to our nation’s economy.”
Olomu explained that the collaboration with traditional institutions is essential to achieving the projected revenue and ensuring the successful implementation of government policies. He also highlighted the need to minimize the smuggling of adulterated drugs, which poses a significant threat to public health and safety.
Responding to Olomu’s address, Oba Akiolu expressed his satisfaction with the Customs Service’s efforts and called for stricter measures to combat the smuggling of regulated drugs into the country.
“Smuggling of drugs, adulterated or substandard, poses a great threat to our nation”,Oba Akiolu stated. “The havoc it wreaks on our people is immense. We must continue to educate and appeal to our citizens to understand the dangers of these illicit activities. The Nigeria Customs Service, under your leadership, plays a pivotal role in this fight.”
The Oba also praised the efforts and collaboration of the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) highlighting their excellent performance in combating drug smuggling.
He assured the Customs Area Controller of his unwavering support, saying, “I assure you of my support any time, any day. May God Almighty take care of the officers under your command and prepare you adequately for your future endeavors.”
Oba Akinolu also advised the officers to prepare for their future by educating their children and maintaining their health.
“Educate your children and look after your health. I am 81 years old now, and it is by God’s grace. God will also do it for you,” he remarked.
The visit ended with mutual assurances of cooperation and commitment to fighting the menace of drug smuggling, ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nigerian populace.
