Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila Moves To Eradicate Trade Barriers Through Critical Stakeholders Engagement
By Asuquo Nuwak
Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila Moves To Eradicate Trade Barriers Through Critical Stakeholders Engagement
The Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has planned to eradicate trade barriers affecting free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor through collaboration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila made this known during a series of familiarisation visit to the palace of traditional rulers and heads of sister security agencies, signifying commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the Federal government economic policies.
Commenting at the palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Comptroller Kaila condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I who was a well recognized traditional ruler across the border communities.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Kaila is quoted as saying that: “The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Customs Area Controller of Seme Command, and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade, and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we can not have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers”.
In his response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, is quoted as describing Kaila as the son of the soil, we have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade”.
Additionally, Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya, signifies his commitment to fostering the service relationship with residents living within the border communities
In the words of Oba Israel Okoya, Onibereko of Ibereko-Awori Kingdom: “I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate”.
Similarly, at the palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom, the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye, commended and described Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
In the words of Oba Oyekan Ajose: “I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better”.
Significantly, in his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, Comptroller Kaila visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry.
Indeed, the Air Force base formation expressed their readiness to always support the command in achieving its mandate.
The Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, of the Air Force Base who expressed readiness to support the command also added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
He is quoted as saying that: “Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted”.
Significantly too, Comptroller Kaila ended his familirisation tour with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office seeking for mutual cooperation.
Additionally, the Republic of Benin Police has in response expressed its readiness to eradicate barriers affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
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