Ogun Customs rejigs anti-smuggling strategies

Ogun Customs rejigs anti-smuggling strategies

* Partners Traditional Rulers In the Fight Against illicit trade at Idiroko border

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Ogun 1 Command, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Compt. Bamidele Makinde fsi mni psc+, is rejigging the anti-smuggling strategies of his Command to tackle illicit trade in his area of responsibility.

To achieve greater result in his modus-operandi, Compt Makinde, who must have studied the terrain very well, especially the volatile nature of Idiroko border is partnering with Traditional Rulers to curb smuggling in Ogun State communities.

In that capacity, the CAC went on a working visit to Alake of Abeokuta, the Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Agura of Gbaguraland, Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre, as part of the measures to tackle the menace of smuggling in Ogun State.

During the visit, Compt Makinde explained the dangers of smuggling to the Traditional Rulers, urging them to prevail on their subjects to desist from illicit trade and allow sanity in the economic environment.

The CAC said his Command understands the roles of Traditional Rulers at the grassroot in the crusade against smuggling, most especially when it involves citizens’ enlightenment.

He stressed the need to maintain the existing working collaboration between Customs and the traditional institutions in Ogun State.

In their response, the Paramount Rulers
urged traders in Ogun communities to embrace legitimate means of livelihood and desist from trading on smuggled items. They made particular reference to smuggling of foreign rice, frozen products, used-clothes,
illegal importation of vehicles, as well as other prohibited items.

Below are pictures taken during the visit: