ogun is a trade hub, not a war zone – customs’ boss

Com. Adebare Ariyibi; State PRO, NYCN.

The new Customs’ Chief for Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller DA Nnadi, has reiterated that Ogun State is not a war zone but a trade hub, where citizens can freely engage in their legitimate business without the fear of intimidation or harassment.

Nnadi stated this at a meeting of a high-powered delegation between the youth leadership of Ogun State and his management at the State Command, Idiroko, on Wednesday December 15, 2021.

The meeting, on the request of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, was in line with the resolution of the Nigeria Customs Service to develop a working relationship with the youth constituency of Ogun State in the fight against smuggling.

Receiving the youth leaders, Nnadi stated his appreciation on the continued dedication of the leadership of Com. Abdul-Jabar Ayelaagbe towards ensuring peaceful conduct of the Youths. His speech reads in part, “The visit of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) will further afford us the opportunity of repeating our call on the need to change the narrative of Ogun 1 Area Command being referred to as War Zone as a result of the actions of Smugglers.

“We need to reiterate that Ogun State, and indeed the Customs Command, is a trade hub/facilitator and a place where legitimate trade thrives.

“Again, we wish to obtain the assurances of great Ogun Youths to support NCS in this quest of presenting a new face of the Gateway State,” the Comptroller said.

Conclusively, he assured the general public to continue educates Officers and Men of the Customs Service on the need to ensure compliance with rules of engagement of the Service in dealing with members of Ogun Communities as the Command look forward to exposure of smugglers and criminals by host communities.

The youth delegation also witnessed the commissioning of additional operational vehicles received by the Command from the Headquarters.