Oyo/Osun Customs builds grassroots support, engages Aseyin, Soun on smuggling fight

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, has appealed to traditional rulers in Oyo State to support the Service’s efforts to combat smuggling and encourage legitimate trade within their domains.

Adewole made the call on Thursday during separate courtesy visits to the Aseyin of Iseyin Land, Oba (Dr.) Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye. The visits form part of the Command’s stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions in tackling smuggling and promoting economic compliance.

In a press statement issued on March 12, 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer(PRO), Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, the engagements were designed to deepen partnerships with community leaders whose influence remains critical in shaping public behaviour and maintaining peace.

Adewole

Speaking during the visits, Adewole noted that traditional rulers occupy a strategic position in their communities and can play a vital role in sensitising residents about the economic and security implications of smuggling.

He stressed that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to its core mandates of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, adding that cooperation with traditional authorities would significantly enhance the effectiveness of Customs operations.

Responding, the Aseyin of Iseyin commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained efforts in protecting the nation’s economy and pledged the support of the traditional institution in discouraging smuggling activities within the community. He assured that residents would be encouraged to comply with government regulations and embrace lawful trade.

Similarly, the Soun of Ogbomoso described the visit as timely and commendable, assuring the Acting Customs Area Controller of the cooperation of the people of Ogbomoso in supporting the Service’s anti-smuggling campaign.

The visits highlight the Oyo/Osun Area Command’s growing emphasis on grassroots collaboration with traditional institutions and community leaders as part of broader efforts to strengthen compliance with trade regulations, safeguard the economy, and curb smuggling across the region.