Ag. Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has said improving the service relationship with border communities is vital to helping security agencies protect the country’s borders and tighten its national security.
He said such a relationship is needed by Customs to facilitate the discharge of its mandates and ensure Nigeria economic interest is not circumvented or destroyed by smugglers and human and drug trafficking gangs.
The Customs CG spoke at the palaces of Oniko of Iko Idiroko Kingdom, Oba John Olakunle Ojo, the Onikpokia of Ikpokia Kingdom, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Adelakun Olaniyan and the Oba of Ilaro Kingdom, Oba Kehinde Adeboye Gbadewole Olugbenle in the Idiroko command of the service on Sunday.
Adewale told the traditional rulers that members of their community, like all other border communities in Nigeria, have a significant role in helping Nigeria security agencies in the discharge of their role as regards national security.
He said “Idiroko is very strategic to our operations; all borders around Idiroko represent a strategic gateway to not just trade and economic development of Nigeria but also for National security management”.
The Ag. CGC solicited the support of border communities and their leaders, as it is paramount to the success of the service operations.
The community monarchs thanked him for his visit just as they raised concerns on issues affecting their livelihood.
Responding, the Customs helmsman urged them to channel their reactions appropriately to the government as the new administration would grant a listening ear while also soliciting their support.
