Customs Boss Moves to Boost Revenue, Strengthens Ties with BAT Nigeria, Seeks Alaafin’s Support Against Smuggling
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, DC Wale Moses Adewole, has intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders as part of strategies to enhance revenue generation and promote legitimate trade.
Adewole, accompanied by members of the Command’s management team, paid a courtesy visit to British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
During the visit, the delegation was received by the Director of Operations of BATN, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq. Adewole expressed appreciation to the management of the company for the warm reception and commended BATN for its significant contribution to the Nigeria Customs Service through excise duty payments and compliance with existing regulations guiding excise operations.
He described BATN as one of the Service’s critical stakeholders in promoting legitimate trade and boosting national revenue, stressing the need for sustained cooperation between both organizations.
Adewole also solicited continued support from the company to ensure efficient revenue collection in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.
In his response, Ishtiaq thanked the Acting Controller and his team for the visit, noting that the recognition of BATN as a strategic stakeholder would further strengthen the partnership between the company and the Customs Service.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of the nation’s borders, adding that these efforts play a vital role in Nigeria’s economic development. He assured the Controller of BATN’s continued commitment to full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
In a related development, the Acting Customs Area Controller also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.
During the visit, Adewole acknowledged the revered traditional institution as a custodian of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba people and emphasized the importance of community collaboration in the fight against smuggling.
He appealed to the monarch to use his influence to 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 commitment to protecting the nation’s economy through effective revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
The monarch assured the 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.
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.