Hold up! A top Osun monarch is calling for a major shake-up. They want the government and other stakeholders to help identify and remove any bad apples lurking among the traditional rulers. This comes as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is stepping up its game, strengthening ties with security agencies and community leaders to combat smuggling and cross-border crime. It’s all about collaboration and cleaning house!
- Osun Monarch’s Plea: Calls for identifying and removing corrupt traditional rulers.
- Customs Boss on the Move: Strengthening ties with police, army, and traditional leaders.
- Collaboration is Key: NCS emphasizing synergy with other agencies to fight crime.
- Community Engagement: Visiting royal institutions to foster cooperation.
- Operational Assessment: Customs officers urged to maintain professionalism and integrity.
Customs Boss Goes on Charm Offensive
Mohammed Shuaibu, the Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, isn’t sitting still. He’s been on a whirlwind tour, meeting with top dogs in the police, army, and traditional institutions across Lagos and Ogun States. The mission? To boost cooperation and tackle smuggling and other illegal activities.
Police Partnership: A United Front Against Crime
During a sit-down with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, Shuaibu stressed the importance of working together. He hailed the police as a key partner in maintaining internal security. “We are serving the nation, so we must synergise and collaborate. We enjoy more of your synergy because you are the lead agency regarding internal security,” he said. “I still need your support in many areas, especially in terms of criminality, so that we can share information occasionally.”
CP Jimoh responded in kind, pledging to deepen the already strong relationship between the police and Customs. “We have been working together over the years and will ensure that our relationship is strengthened for better service delivery,” he affirmed.
Army on Board: Military Muscle for Customs Operations
Shuaibu also paid a visit to the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division, where he met with the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Farouk Mijinyawa. He highlighted the crucial role the army plays in supporting Customs operations. Major General Mijinyawa praised Shuaibu’s leadership and promised continued military support. “We know you are coming here with a great wealth of experience, which is highly required now,” he noted.
Royal Visits: Engaging Community Gatekeepers
But Shuaibu didn’t stop there. He also made courtesy calls to several royal institutions in Lagos and Ogun States, including:
- Akran of Badagry, HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I
- Alapa of Apa Egun Awori Kingdom, Oba Oyekan Ilufemiloye
- Akweno of Kweme, Oba Sejiro James
- Onibereko of Ibereko, Oba Adewale Okoya
- Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle
- Onikpokia of Ikpokia, Oba Yisa Adeniyi Olaniyan
- Olu of Owode, Oba Matthew Akindele
Addressing the monarchs, Shuaibu explained that his visits were part of a broader effort to implement the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy, which focuses on consolidation, collaboration, transformation, innovation, and community engagement. “As my predecessors have always built solid relationships with you, I am coming here today to do that,” he stated.
The traditional leaders, in turn, offered their blessings and pledged their unwavering support for the Customs Service.
On-the-Ground Assessment: Maintaining Standards
As part of his operational assessment, Shuaibu also inspected Customs checkpoints at Apa/Owode and Gbaji. He urged officers to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in their duties.
Why This Matters
This flurry of activity highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling crime and ensuring national security. By working closely with other security agencies and engaging with local communities, the Nigeria Customs Service aims to create a more secure and prosperous nation.
The emphasis on weeding out “misfits” among traditional rulers also suggests a broader effort to promote good governance and accountability at all levels of society. When traditional leaders are beyond reproach, they can serve as positive role models for their communities and contribute to national development.
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