Oyo/Osun Customs deepens revenue partnership with BATN, seeks Alaafin’s support against smuggling

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders in revenue generation and trade facilitation as the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, paid strategic visits to industry and traditional institutions.

Adewole, accompanied by members of the Command’s management team, visited British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) on Thursday, March 5, 2026, where he held discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in excise operations and improving revenue performance.

In a release signed by Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Akintola Abdulmalik, Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the Command, the delegation was received by the company’s Director of Operations, Hasnain Ishtiaq, who welcomed the Customs leadership and reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to regulatory compliance.

During the meeting, Adewole commended BATN for its consistent contribution to government revenue through excise duties and for maintaining compliance with the laws guiding excise operations in Nigeria.

He described the company as a critical stakeholder in promoting legitimate trade and strengthening the country’s revenue base.

The Acting Controller emphasized the need for sustained collaboration between Customs and the private sector to ensure efficient revenue collection in line with the statutory mandate of the Service.

Responding, Ishtiaq expressed appreciation for the visit and recognition, noting that the Nigeria Customs Service continues to play a pivotal role in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and protection of Nigeria’s borders. He assured the delegation of BATN’s continued cooperation and adherence to regulatory requirements to support national economic development.

In a related engagement, Adewole also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, in Oyo.

During the visit, the Acting Controller described the traditional institution as a custodian of Yoruba culture and values, stressing the importance of community participation in combating smuggling and other illicit economic activities.

He appealed to the monarch to use his revered position to sensitise residents of Oyo and surrounding communities on the dangers of smuggling and its adverse effects on the nation’s economy.

In his response, the Alaafin commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to protecting Nigeria’s economic interests through effective revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations.

The monarch assured the Command of the palace’s support in educating the public on the need to discourage smuggling and embrace lawful economic activities.

Adewole reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo/Osun Area Command to strengthening partnerships with industry players, traditional institutions, and the wider public in order to enhance revenue generation, promote legitimate trade, and support Nigeria’s economic growth.