.Seeks Monarchs’ Support in Suppressing Smuggling and Facilitating Legitimate Trade
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Customs Area Controller in charge of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu recently paid a courtesy visit to the revered palaces of the Ataoja of Osogbo and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji land, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and traditional institutions.
The Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu in a handshake with the Ataoja of Osogbo, HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Laroye II.
During the visit, the Customs Area Controller sought the monarch’s support in suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade
The Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Command presenting a plaque to HRM Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi OdundunIV, Aragbiji of Iragbiji land, during the visit.
In a statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Customs 1, Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, the visit took place on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
A group picture of Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, his delegation, and HRM Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi OdundunIV, Aragbiji of Iragbiji land
The Customs Area Controller on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team, expressed profound appreciation to the royal fathers for their warm reception and commended their tireless efforts in maintaining peace, unity, and stability within their respective domains.
The Aragbiji of Iragbiji land, HRM Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi OdundunIV, presented a book on Iragbiji (A Haven) to the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Gambo Aliyu during the visit on Tuesday, 14th October 2025.
He acknowledged the monarchs’ vital roles as custodians of cultural heritage and tradition.
Comptroller Aliyu also highlighted the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, which include revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade, stressing that these responsibilities are crucial to the nation’s economic growth and sustainable development.
The Area Controller displaying the hand book on Iragbiji (A Haven), Osun State, Nigeria
He also sought the continued support and cooperation of the royal fathers in enlightening their subjects on the dangers and implications of smuggling and other illicit trade activities, emphasizing that such acts are detrimental to the safety, security, and economic well-being of the nation.
In their seperate responses, the monarchs appreciated the Customs Area Controller for his visit and assured him of their continued cooperation and support in suppressing smuggling and facilitating legitimate trade.
The visit forms part of Comptroller Gambo’s ongoing efforts to engage with key stakeholders aimed at fostering stronger community relations, promoting transparency, and enhancing public trust in the Service.
