The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Niger/Kogi Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Solomon Nwankwegu, has sought stronger collaboration with traditional institutions to enhance community engagement, security and effective service delivery.
Nwankwegu made the call during a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruk Bahago III, CON, on November 4, 2026.
The visit was aimed at strengthening relations between the Nigeria Customs Service and traditional institutions, while securing the continued support of community leaders in advancing the Service’s statutory responsibilities.
Speaking during the engagement, the Acting Area Controller formally introduced himself to the traditional ruler and acknowledged the significant role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, social cohesion and community development.
He emphasised the strategic importance of traditional rulers in community mobilisation, intelligence gathering and information sharing, noting that effective stakeholder collaboration was critical to achieving the Customs Service’s mandate.
According to him, partnerships with traditional institutions and other stakeholders would support the Service’s efforts in revenue generation, trade facilitation, suppression of smuggling and protection of the national economy.
Responding, the Emir of Minna warmly welcomed Nwankwegu and his delegation, offering royal blessings and prayers for a successful and impactful tenure.
The traditional ruler prayed for wisdom, strength and divine guidance for the Acting Area Controller in the discharge of his responsibilities.
He also offered special prayers for officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly personnel deployed to field operations, seeking divine protection, safety and success in the performance of their duties.
The Emir further prayed for lasting peace, unity and stability across Nigeria, stressing the importance of sustained engagement between government institutions and traditional authorities.
He called for collective commitment towards strengthening peace, security and national development.
In appreciation, Nwankwegu expressed gratitude to the Emir for the warm reception, royal blessings and prayers.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and effective stakeholder engagement in the discharge of its responsibilities.
The visit underscores the Niger/Kogi Area Command’s efforts to deepen partnerships with traditional institutions and other critical stakeholders in support of Customs operations, particularly in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation, anti-smuggling enforcement, national security and economic development.
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