SEME CUSTOMS CAC, KAILA MOVES TO DISMANTLE TRADE BARRIERS ON LAGOS – ABIDJAN CORRIDOR, ENGAGES MONARCHS, SECURITY AGENCIES
Seme Customs CAC, Kaila Moves to Dismantle Trade Barriers on Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, Engages Monarchs, Security Agencies
By Babatunde Aremu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has launched a stakeholder drive to remove trade barriers hindering the free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.
The move was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Kaila during a familiarisation tour to traditional rulers and heads of security agencies in Badagry, aimed at deepening collaboration in line with Federal Government economic policies.
At the Palace of the Akran of Badagry, the Controller commiserated with the royal family and people of Badagry Kingdom over the passing of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a respected monarch in border communities.
“The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service,” he said. “Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling. Without the support of traditional rulers, we cannot effectively perform our functions as Customs officers.”
Responding, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described the Controller as “a son of the soil” and pledged continued collaboration. “Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade,” he said.
At the palace of the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, Oba Israel Okoya assured the Controller of support. “I will always talk to my people whenever the need arises. Our youth do not engage in illegalities. I have no choice but to assist you in achieving the government mandate,” the monarch stated.
The Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye, described the Controller as “a professional, seasoned and well-respected officer.” He added: “I promise to always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth listen to elders, and I know with your presence, things will change for the better.”
To consolidate inter-agency synergy, the Controller also visited the Headquarters of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base, Ahanve-Badagry. The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, said both agencies shared similar purposes. “Our collaboration has been key to various successes in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration, and we will not take it for granted,” he said.
The familiarisation tour ended with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office, underscoring the Command’s commitment to removing hindrances to free movement of goods and services across the border.
