CUSTOMS DEEPENS GRASSROOTS PARTNERSHIP AS ACTING CUSTOMS AREA CONTROLLER PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO OONI OF IFE, OGUNSUA OF MODAKEKE AND ATAOJA OF OSOGBO

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has intensified its grassroots engagement efforts as the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs (DC) Wale Adewole, paid courtesy visits to prominent traditional rulers in Oyo and Osun states.

During the visits on Monday, 23 February 2026, DC Adewole and his management team were received at the palaces of the Ooni of Ife, the Ogunsua of Modakeke, and the Ataoja of Osogbo as part of efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement and foster community collaboration in the discharge of the Service’s statutory responsibilities.

At the palace of the Ooni of Ife, DC Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation. He described the palace as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and solicited the support and cooperation of the traditional institution and the wider community in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing national economic security. The Ooni commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its vital role in trade facilitation, border security, and the suppression of smuggling, assuring the Command of his continued support.

Similarly, at the palace of the Ogunsua of Modakeke, the Acting Controller thanked the monarch for his hospitality and acknowledged the crucial role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace and security within their domains.

He stressed the importance of community collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, to enable the Service effectively carry out its mandate. The Ogunsua praised the Service for its contributions to national development and pledged the support and cooperation of his people.

At the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, DC Adewole reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening relationships with host communities and traditional institutions. He noted that sustained collaboration remains essential in promoting lawful trade and curbing illicit activities. The Ataoja welcomed the delegation and commended the Service for safeguarding the nation’s economy, assuring the Command of the palace’s continued cooperation.

DC Adewole noted that the visits form part of the Command’s strategic efforts to enhance synergy with key stakeholders, especially traditional institutions whose influence is critical in promoting compliance with Customs laws and advancing national security objectives.
The Oyo/Osun Area Command reaffirmed its commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling, while continuing to build strong partnerships for improved service delivery.