The Customs Area Controller, Seme Border Command, Dr Benedict Oramalugo, has urged Nigerians to support local industries to grow by buying goods made in Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos by the Command’s Spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Sulaiman.
Sulaiman quoted Oramalugo as giving the advice while delivering a keynote address at the 5th session of the Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference (RUIMUN) in Ogun.
The theme of the conference is: “Leaving No One Behind; Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations”.
The controller, who was a guest speaker, stressed the need to support local industries, citing Nigeria’s status as a leading rice producer, but noted that farmers still faced challenges of local patronage.
He added that when citizens fail to buy local rice, it kills the local mills.
Dr Oramalugo in a group photograph with management of Redeemer University in Ogun State
Oramalugo warned about the dangers of smuggled fake drugs, second hand clothing, used tyres and other contraband goods, which pose severe health and safety risks.
He further identified the three core mandates of the NCS, which included trade facilitation, which was simplifying customs processes, to enhance legitimate trade and economic growth.
“Revenue generation, which is contributing significantly to national revenue, with the customs generating over ₦6 trillion in 2024.
“Anti-smuggling and national security, which is preventing the entry of prohibited and harmful goods, while collaborating with other agencies to safeguard the nation.”
Comptroller Oramalugo also said that the service maintains global standards and best practices, as provided by the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions.
These, he said, plays a role in enhancing customs integrity, harmonising procedures and combating illicit activities.
He further spoke on the importance of integrity, patriotism, and the detrimental effects of smuggling on the economy and society.
Oramalugo praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, on his numerous achievements, saying these have earned him recognition, including “Outstanding Revenue Collection award by President Bola Tinubu and the recent Sun Newspaper’s “Best Public Servant of the Year” award.
The controller thanked Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders and enlighten them on the vital contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to national progress.
