Oba of Apa: We’ll support customs to secure borders, promote trade

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Alapa of Apa Kingdom, HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye, has pledged full support for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, in its efforts to strengthen border security, suppress smuggling, and promote legitimate trade along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor.

The monarch gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, as part of his familiarisation and stakeholder engagement tour across traditional institutions and security agencies within the border communities.

Speaking at his palace, Oba Ajose described Comptroller Kaila as a seasoned and highly respected officer, assuring him of the cooperation of the Apa Kingdom.

“I promise you that I will always support you in my area whenever the need arises. Our border has remained peaceful because our youths respect traditional authority, and with your presence, things will only get better,” the monarch said.

He stressed the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers and security agencies in maintaining peace and discouraging illegal cross-border activities.

The visit to Apa Kingdom formed part of a wider stakeholder engagement by the Seme Customs boss aimed at strengthening relationships with host communities and security agencies to improve trade facilitation and border management.

Earlier, Comptroller Kaila visited the Palace of the Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, where he condoled with the royal family and people of Badagry over the passing of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, describing the late monarch as a respected leader across border communities.

Kaila said his visits were aimed at introducing himself as the new Customs Area Controller and seeking the support of traditional institutions to achieve the Service’s mandate.

“Our priorities remain revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations. Without the support and cooperation of traditional rulers, effective discharge of our responsibilities will be difficult,” he stated.

Responding on behalf of the palace, the King Regent of Badagry Kingdom, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, assured the Customs Command of continued support.

“Badagry is a peaceful town, and we will continue to collaborate with Customs in safeguarding our borders and promoting legitimate trade,” Ogunbiyi said.

The Customs boss also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori Kingdom, Oba Israel Okoya, who equally pledged support for the Service and promised to continue sensitising youths and residents against illegal activities.

“I welcome you to Badagry and assure you that I will always speak to my people whenever necessary. Our youths do not engage in illegalities, and we will support Customs in achieving government objectives,” Oba Okoya noted.

In continuation of efforts to deepen inter-agency collaboration, Comptroller Kaila paid a visit to the 653 Nigerian Air Force Base, Ahanve-Badagry, where he was received by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu.

Medugu reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to sustain collaboration with Customs, noting that both agencies share common security responsibilities.

“Our collaboration has been instrumental to various operational successes recorded in this area. Your visit strengthens the existing bond between our agencies,” he said.

The stakeholder engagement tour ended with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police Office, underscoring the Command’s commitment to strengthening trans-border cooperation and removing barriers hindering the free movement of goods and services.

Medugu reaffirmed the Air Force’s readiness to sustain collaboration with Customs, noting that both agencies share common security responsibilities.

“Our collaboration has been instrumental to various operational successes recorded in this area. Your visit strengthens the existing bond between our agencies,” he said.

The stakeholder engagement tour ended with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police Office, underscoring the Command’s commitment to strengthening trans-border cooperation and removing barriers hindering the free movement of goods and services.