As the act of smuggling by criminals and bandits increases along the Nigerian border communities, the Nigerian Customs Services (NCS), Kwara State Command, has solicited the support of traditional institutions in the state to curb smuggling.
Area Controller, NCS , Compt. Kehinde Ilesanmi, solicited the partnership and collaboration with the traditional institution when he paid a visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, in llorin, the State Capital.
He underscored the role of Customs as partners in progress by way of public enlightenment, educating and sensitisation of stakeholders in order to achieve total compliance by citizens who import and export goods.
“I acknowledge the critical role of the traditional institutions, especially in sensitisation and enlightenment of their subjects, stakeholders and the society at large”, he said.
Ilesanmi stressed that the service is working tirelessly to curb illicit trade in the country in order to promote economic growth and development.
He said the decision of the Federal Government to ban importation of some food items into the country, most especially rice, is not to witchunt anyone but to encourage local farmers and boost home production.
While advocating total compliance with the Federal Government policy, he reiterated that Kwara land border remained closed.
Earlier, the Emir assured the Customs of his continuous royal support to the Command to enable him and the management team achieve the mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti&smuggling operations.
The Monarch pledged to solidify and cement the already existing cordial relationship between the palace and the Command.