The Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu has endorsed the efforts by the Customs Area Comptroller of Seme Area Command to suppress the acts of smuggling which he said is inimical to national economic and security growth.

Oba Akiolu, who received Comptroller Willy Egbudin in his palace on Lagos Island, recently commended the Comptroller for coming to sustain the existing cordial tie between the command and his palace while reassuring the command of his continuous support for the noble efforts of Seme customs at all times.

The monarch also said the good works of the customs should be encouraged by all patriotic and well meaning Nigerians as all industries in Lagos and other parts of the country deserve some government protection through customs preventive efforts against smuggling.

Oba Akiolu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police also lauded the robust customs/ community relations between the Seme Command and the traditional institutions in Lagos. He said traditional rulers and government operatives should always see themselves as partners in progress. He also told the visiting CAC and members of his entourage to see the palace as their second home, where they are free to come any time the need arises.

Speaking earlier, Comptroller Egbudin said his visit to the palace is aimed at seeking the support of the monarch, his blessing and cooperation of the traditional institution which he described as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“We are doing a lot of enlightenment and sensitisation on the ills of smuggling and other trade malpractices like under declaration, forgery of documents, duty evasion and other unlawful activities like smuggling of dutiable goods and prohibited items like arms and ammunition.”

He also explained that the command under his watch has recently increased its anti smuggling activities during this yuletide period and would sustain the momentum.

The CAC’s round of visits to stakeholders has seen him familiarising with other monarchs like the Akran of Badagry, the Aholu of Kweme, Oba Sejiro Ogungbe Olalekan James, Oba Possi Oyekan of Owode Apa and the Onibereko of Ibereko as well as senior officers of other government services.

Among officers visited are the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Ikeja Lagos, Nuhu Isa Mahmud, who described Egbudin as a dedicated officer with the capacity to address challenging situations without betraying emotions.

The FOU Comptroller promised support for the Seme Command while reiterating that all officers of the service are united by common goals which requires synergy to achieve. He added that Egbudin’s posting to Seme goes a long way to show that he is a reliable officer capable of handling sensitive assignments in an area like Seme, the busiest border post in West Africa.