Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Ijora, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdulfatai Aremu Aromire, on Thursday. The visit aimed to seek the monarch’s cooperation in achieving the command’s annual revenue target of N2.3 trillion.
Accompanied by senior customs officials, Comptroller Olomu congratulated Oba Aromire on his recent celebration of thirty years on the throne. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a smooth and cooperative relationship between the customs service and the community, reflecting the directives of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
“We are here to further propagate the customs community relationship agenda. Customs Community Relationship forms one of the fulcrums on which the Nigerian Customs Service coexists within our environment. Strengthening this relationship with stakeholders, including the community, is paramount,” he stated.
Highlighting the long-standing harmonious relationship between the customs service and the community since the establishment of the Apapa Port, Olomu reiterated his commitment to maintaining and enhancing this bond.
“It may interest you that the community forms one of the key stakeholders of the Nigeria Customs Service. I feel it is appropriate, as I have taken over four weeks ago, to ensure a solid relationship with the community, fully complying with the CGC’s directive.”
Olomu also took the opportunity to inform Oba Aromire about the government’s fiscal policies.
“The service is expected to generate N5.1 trillion for the government, with N2.3 trillion from Apapa port. As critical stakeholders, it is essential that you are informed, and we believe the cordial relationship will continue to flourish,” he said.
In response, Oba Aromire expressed his joy at the historic visit, noting it was the first time a senior customs officer had visited his palace in thirty years. He offered prayers for Comptroller Olomu’s success and assured full cooperation from the community.
“I am the happiest man today because this is the first time in 30 years that a customs boss is coming to visit the palace. Your tenure shall be successful because you have cooperated with the elders,” Oba Aromire said.
“We have been cooperating with customs and all security agencies. I assure you of our hundred percent cooperation; if anyone is not doing well, just call me, and I will call them to order,” he concluded.