Olomu Visits HRH Ojora Aromire To Strengthen Customs/Community Relations

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Determined to build on all existing indices of performances, particularly as regards the improved regime of stakeholders engagement, Apapa Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu recently visited the Oba of Ijora, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulfatai Aremu Aromire, where he rubbed mind with the royal father on areas of synergy between Customs and the palace and the entire Ijora Community.

The historic visit, the first in thirty years since the monarch ascended the throne positioned the NCS as an Agency of government that is desirous of cultivating all necessary cooperation and partnership essential to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony.

R-L, Oba of Ijora ,Comptroller Babatunde and the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC U. Abubakar

While  Olomu who was accompanied by senior Officers of the Command congratulated the monarch on the  recent celebration  of his thirty years on the throne, he informed the monarch that the visit is in compliance with the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to nurture robust community relations.

His words: “We are here to still further propagate the customs community relationship agenda of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

“Customs Community Relationship forms one of the fulcrum on which the Nigerian Customs Service cohabit within our environment. I have made it very clear that we are going to strengthen the relationship between customs and the other stakeholders.

“It may interest you to know that the community forms one of the key stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service. Since the establishment of the Apapa Port, there has been harmonious relationship between customs and the community and I feel that it would not be appropriate since I took over four weeks ago as the Customs Area Controller to come and pay homage.

“The CGC tasked me to ensure a solid relationship with the Community, so we are here to ensure that the directive of the CGC is fully complied with. I wish to also on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service congratulate you on the thirty years on the throne of your fore fathers.

“We want to intimate you on the fiscal policies of the government, first is that the service is expected to bring a sum of N5.1Trillion into the coffers of the government, out of which N2.3Trillion is coming from Apapa port.

“We feel that as a very critical stakeholder in the community, you should be informed of this, and to ensure that the very cordial relationship that had existed between the customs and the community will continue to flourish” Olomu stated.

Responding, the Ojora noted that it was the first time that a senior Customs Officers would be paying a visit to his palace even as he showered royal blessings on the Controller and urged him to sustain the cordial relationship.

He said, “I am the happiest man today because this is the first time in 30years that a customs boss is coming to visit the Palace. This is the first time in the last thirty years that a customs officer with this big rank will visit me.

“Your tenure shall be successful because you have cooperated with the elders. Before you were here, we have been cooperating with the customs, even with all the security agencies. I am giving you hundred percent assurances that we would cooperate with you.”

The royal father said the palace is in a position to intervene should anyone or section of the community be observed posing as an obstacle to the lawful mandate of the service.