The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its collaboration with traditional institutions to combat smuggling and safeguard the national economy.
The renewed partnership followed courtesy visits by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Wale Adewole, to the palaces of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II; Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, Ajibise Ogo I; and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Laroye II, on Monday, February 23, 2026.
During his visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, DC Adewole expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and his management team.
He described the palace as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and solicited the support and cooperation of the traditional institution and the entire community in combating smuggling, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing national economic security.
In his response, Oba Ogunwusi commended the NCS for its critical role in trade facilitation, border security, and the suppression of smuggling, and assured the Command of his continuous support.
At the palace of Oba Toriola, DC Adewole appreciated the monarch for his hospitality and acknowledged the vital role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security within their domains.
He emphasised the importance of community support, particularly in intelligence sharing, to enable the Service to effectively carry out its mandate.
The Ogunsua of Modakeke, in his remarks, commended the Service for its contributions to national development and pledged the support and cooperation of his people towards achieving the objectives of the Command.
Similarly, at the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Adewole reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with host communities and traditional institutions.
He stated that sustained collaboration remains essential in promoting lawful trade and preventing illicit activities.
On his part, Oba Oyetunji welcomed the delegation and commended the Service for its role in safeguarding the nation’s economy, while assuring the Command of the palace’s continued support and cooperation.
The Acting CAC noted that the visits form part of the Command’s strategic efforts to enhance synergy with key stakeholders, particularly traditional institutions. He affirmed that their influence remains critical in promoting compliance with Customs laws and supporting national security objectives.
The Command reiterated its commitment to its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling, while continuing to build strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders for effective service delivery.