The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, has strengthened collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to enhance revenue generation and promote legitimate trade.
Adewole, alongside members of the Command’s management team, paid a courtesy visit to British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) on Thursday, March 5, 2026, where he commended the company for its contribution to the Nigeria Customs Service through excise duties and its compliance with existing regulations guiding excise operations.
During the visit, the delegation was received by the Director of Operations of BATN, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq.
Adewole expressed appreciation to the company’s management for the warm reception, noting that BATN remains one of the key stakeholders supporting the Service in promoting legitimate trade and boosting national revenue.
He emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between the Nigeria Customs Service and BATN, urging the company to continue supporting the Service in ensuring effective revenue collection in line with its statutory mandate.
In his response, Ishtiaq commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of Nigeria’s borders.
He described the Service’s responsibilities as critical to the country’s economic development and assured the Acting Controller of BATN’s continued cooperation and full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
In a related development, Adewole also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, where he acknowledged the traditional institution as a custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.
The Acting Controller highlighted the importance of community collaboration in the fight against smuggling and appealed to the monarch to help sensitize members of the community on the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on the nation’s economy.
Responding, the Alaafin commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its role in safeguarding the nation’s economy through revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
The monarch assured the Customs Area Controller of the palace’s support in educating residents of Oyo and surrounding communities on the need to shun smuggling and embrace lawful economic activities that contribute to national development.
Adewole reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo/Osun Area Command to strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, traditional institutions, and the public to enhance revenue generation, promote legitimate trade, and support Nigeria’s economic growth.
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