Ogun Customs Seek Traditional Ruler's Support In Fight Against Smuggling

Controller Makinde Presenting plaque to Alake of Egbaland wrth him,his  Deputy Controller of  Administration Akpan.

By Niyi Ogungbola

Traditional rulers in Ogun State have been called upon to help educate their subjects both business men and women in  the state to  desist from engaging in smuggled goods  but embrace  legitimate trade for the growth of the nation.

Agoura of Gbagura,Oba Babajide Bakre, Controller Makinde and one of Agura Chief.

The new  Controller of Ogun1 Area Command of Customs  Comptroller Bamidele Makinde made the call when he  paid  courtesy visits to Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland,Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Agura of Gbagura Oba Sabur Babajide Bakre. 

Makinde, while speaking said  his command understood the roles of the traditional rulers as a grassroot institution highly necessary in the crusade against smuggling, particularly when citizenry enlightenment is needed.

He explained that the existing synergy between Customs and the traditional institution in Ogun State must continue towards ensuring a seamless societal trading across the state, 

Newly promoted Assistant Controller of Customs  Bagudu Usman Alhaji with other entourage at Alake palace.

Makinde also urged the royal fathers not to relent in their efforts, but continually enlighten their subjects on the dangers and the economic implications of dealing in smuggled goods. notwithstanding the current economic situations of the country.

Apparently referring to the smuggling of rice, illegal importation of vehicles, Frozen poultry products and other contraband goods,  Bamidele said people should embrace legitimate trade so as not to incur the wrath of the laws.

Controller and his entourage in group photograph with Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.

In his response, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Gbadebo pledged the supports of the traditional rulers in the state for the Customs towards ensuring that smuggling activities are suppressed across the state.

The monarch expressly declared that aside from the crude oil, Customs Service, through its excise duties and border revenue collection remains the next viable revenue generating outfit to the covers of the federal government and must be supported in all her operations.

Oba Gbadebo however, declared that his palace would not disturb the Customs' operations in the state, but continually pray for the successes of the NCS personnel because of the enormous tasks they render to the country with dedication.

Group photograph with the Gbagura of Agura,Oba Sabur Bakre

In his own response, Oba Bakre assured the new NCS Controller that the traditional institution in the state would do their best towards ensuring that the traders in their respective domains embrace legitimate trading, stressing that crimes is not a way out of the current economic hardship being experienced nationwide.

The two traditional rulers also urged their subjects to accord the law of the land its due respect as far as trading activities are concerned and must give Customs officers due support to achieve their revenue generation to the purse of the Federal Government.

"Yes,you are on your own when arrested by Customs officers  for smuggling. So,you better embark on legitimate trade in order not to incur the wrath of law" the two Traditional Ruler's wared.