Customs takes advocacy to palaces, targets smuggling in Igbeti, Kishi, Saki

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, has intensified its grassroots engagement strategy with a high-level visit by the Acting Customs Area Controller, DC Wale Moses Adewole, to key traditional institutions across Oyo State.

The strategic tour, conducted on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, saw the Controller visit the palaces of the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Engr. Bashir Olalekan; the Iba of Kishi, Oba Dr. Masoud Lawal Oyekola Aweda; and the Okere of Saki, Oba Dr. (Surv) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Ayinla.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the Command to deepen collaboration with host communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, and enhance compliance with trade regulations in border areas.

At Igbeti, the Onigbeti commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its critical contributions to national development, particularly in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the fight against smuggling. He pledged continued support from the community, especially in raising awareness about the dangers and economic implications of illicit trade.

Responding, DC Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception and lauded the community’s cooperation with Customs operatives. He stressed the need for sustained partnership to curb smuggling activities, steer youths away from illegal trade, and tackle related social vices such as drug abuse.

In Kishi, the Acting Controller reinforced the Command’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with traditional authorities. He particularly praised the community’s involvement in local rice production, urging residents to support domestic industries by rejecting smuggled foreign parboiled rice. He noted that the presence of a functional rice mill in the area presents significant economic opportunities that must be protected.

The Iba of Kishi, in his remarks, welcomed the engagement and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to lawful trade practices. He assured the Customs leadership of continued cooperation in discouraging activities capable of undermining Nigeria’s economic growth.

At Saki, the engagement took a broader security dimension as other agencies joined the meeting at the palace of the Okere of Saki. DC Adewole highlighted the indispensable role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and supporting law enforcement operations, while commending the residents for their law-abiding disposition.

The Okere of Saki, in his response, appreciated the Controller’s visit and advocated for the establishment of a Customs presence in the area to further strengthen trade facilitation and security operations. He also reiterated the community’s readiness to collaborate with relevant authorities in promoting economic stability.

The tour underscores the Nigeria Customs Service’s renewed focus on community-based enforcement, leveraging traditional institutions as key partners in safeguarding the nation’s economy and borders.