The Nigeria Customs Service has sought stronger collaboration with traditional institutions to improve intelligence sharing, combat smuggling and enhance community engagement in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Niger/Kogi Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Solomon Nwankwegu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruk Bahago III, CON.
Nwankwegu said traditional rulers played a strategic role in community mobilisation, intelligence gathering and promoting peaceful coexistence, stressing that collaboration with local stakeholders was essential to effective customs operations.
He said cooperation with traditional institutions would support the Service’s responsibilities in revenue generation, trade facilitation, suppression of smuggling and protection of the national economy.
The Acting Controller also formally introduced himself to the Emir and sought the traditional institution’s continued support for the Command’s activities.
In his response, the Emir welcomed Nwankwegu and his delegation, offering prayers for a successful tenure and divine guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He also prayed for the safety and protection of Customs officers, particularly those deployed to the field, and called for lasting peace, unity and stability across Nigeria.
The Emir emphasised the need for sustained engagement between government institutions and traditional authorities to advance peace, security and national development.