The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, DC Wale Moses Adewole, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders to boost revenue generation and facilitate legitimate trade.
Adewole stated this during a courtesy visit to British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) on Thursday, March 5, 2026, where he led members of the command’s management team to engage with the company’s leadership.
The delegation was received by the Director of Operations of BATN, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, who welcomed the customs officials and acknowledged the long-standing working relationship between the company and the service.
Speaking during the visit, Adewole commended BATN for its significant contribution to national revenue through excise duties and for its consistent compliance with regulations guiding excise operations.
He described the company as one of the critical stakeholders supporting the statutory mandate of the customs service, particularly in the promotion of legitimate trade and the enhancement of government revenue.
Adewole emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between the command and BATN, noting that stronger partnerships with compliant corporate organizations would further improve revenue collection and strengthen the nation’s economy.
In his remarks, Ishtiaq thanked the Acting Controller and his team for the visit and for recognising BATN as a key partner in national development.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and border protection, adding that these responsibilities play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic stability.
Ishtiaq assured the customs leadership of the company’s continued cooperation and commitment to full compliance with all regulatory requirements in support of economic growth.
In a related development, Adewole also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, where he sought the monarch’s support in sensitising communities on the dangers of smuggling.
During the visit, the acting controller acknowledged the traditional institution as a custodian of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and stressed the importance of community collaboration in combating smuggling activities.
He appealed to the Alaafin to use his influence to educate residents on the negative impact of smuggling on the nation’s economy and the need to embrace lawful economic activities.
Responding, the monarch commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts in safeguarding the nation’s economy through revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
The Alaafin assured the customs command of the palace’s support in sensitising the people of Oyo and surrounding communities on the importance of shunning smuggling and promoting legitimate trade.
Adewole reiterated that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to strengthening engagement with corporate organisations, traditional institutions, and the public to enhance revenue generation and support Nigeria’s economic development.
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