Customs, monarchs, security agencies unite to promote border trade efficiency

Adisa Olamilekan, Maritime Editor

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has intensified its stakeholder engagement drive as part of efforts to eliminate trade barriers and promote seamless movement of goods and services along the strategic Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, Comptroller Abdullahi S. Kaila, disclosed this during a series of familiarisation visits to traditional rulers and sister security agencies across Badagry, Lagos State.

During a visit to the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Comptroller Kaila expressed condolences over the passing of the monarch, His Royal Majesty De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing the late king as a revered leader whose influence transcended border communities.

He noted that the Customs Service’s core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations can only be effectively achieved through strong collaboration with host communities and traditional institutions.

Kaila emphasized that fostering trust and cooperation with local stakeholders remains critical to achieving a secure and business-friendly environment along the international trade corridor.

In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, assured the Command of continued support, reiterating Badagry’s longstanding reputation as a peaceful and trade-friendly border town. He pledged that the traditional institution would mobilise residents to support legitimate trade and discourage smuggling activities.

Similar commitments were made by Oba Israel Okoya of Ibereko Awori Kingdom and His Royal Majesty Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye of Apa Kingdom.

Both monarchs underscored the importance of community participation in sustaining lawful trade and strengthening economic activities within the region.

To further reinforce inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Kaila visited the Headquarters of the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base in Ahanve, Badagry, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu.

Discussions at the meeting highlighted the critical role of synergy between security agencies in maintaining border security and facilitating legitimate trade.
Extending his outreach beyond Nigeria’s borders, the Customs Area Controller also engaged with the Republic of Benin Police, stressing the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing cross-border challenges and ensuring the smooth flow of trade across the corridor.

The renewed engagement underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s alignment with the Federal Government’s economic agenda, particularly in advancing regional trade integration and maximizing the benefits of the Lagos–Abidjan corridor.

Observers note that sustained collaboration among traditional institutions, security agencies, and border communities will be pivotal in unlocking the full economic potential of the corridor, which remains one of West Africa’s busiest trade routes.