The Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, has emphasised the significance of the liaison office in strengthening cross-border relations.
The Area Controller made this remark on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Customs Liaison Office in Cotonou, Benin Republic, who came on a courtesy visit.
The delegation was led by Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Omoniyi Mojeed Olanrewaju.
In his address, Comptroller Adelaja, in a statement by the Area Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASC Abdulmalik Abiodun Akintola, said that the visit aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, B.A. Adeniyi, MFR, which is anchored on collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
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The Area Controller noted that such collaboration is crucial in combating smuggling activities at border stations under the Command’s jurisdiction.
He assured the delegation of the Area Command’s full support in facilitating their duties, just as he encouraged them to extend similar cooperation by enhancing intelligence sharing.
In his response, the leader of the delegation, CSC Olanrewaju, stated the purpose of the visit, which he said was to familiarise members with the Command and its border stations.
He highlighted the core functions of the Nigeria Customs Liaison Office, which include fostering cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and the Republic of Benin Customs, facilitating trade between the two countries, organizing bilateral meetings, and enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing between Customs formations at border areas.
CSC Olanrewaju said that his team’s operational responsibilities cover the Idiroko border, Kwara, and Oyo State borders, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening cooperation in these strategic areas.
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