The Ogun state Area command of Nigeria Customs service has assured the people of Ogun State its readiness to partner with business men and women in the field of commerce and industry in order to generate revenue to the coffer of Federal government and at the same time enhance trade activities.
This assurance came from Controller of the Command, Comptroller Sanni Madugu when he paid a courtesy visit to Alake and the paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo in his palace, Ake, Abeokuta.
The newly posted Controller implored the monarch to help educate his subjects on the need to pay duty on their goods: “There is no need for business men/women running away from customs because all goods are not contraband. What they need to do is to pay duties after careful assessment of their goods by customs officers.”
“As a father to all of us both indigenes and non-indigenes, we are here to inform you that we shall improve commerce and industry which Egbas are known for. We shall partner with people to generate revenue for the government; we are not in Ogun State to chase people with guns. No customs officer is going to use gun against individuals who are carrying out their legitimate business, all they need to do is to pay duties and there will be no hindrance to their lawful duties, Comptroller Madugu stressed”.
Intimating the Alake of Egbaland with the activities of his command, Madugu said within the two months of his assumption of duty, the command has generated the sum of six hundred and fifty four million naira (N654 million) saying there is room for improvement with the Alake’s support.
Also counting his days in Ogun state, Madugu said he served in the State some 31years ago as a Youth Corper, hence, his new posting to Ogun State is home coming. “I have a great honour and pleasure to sit with Alake of Egbaland today in his palace because we know the importance of Alake. I know the history of Egbaland, your forefathers are well known worldwide. They were important personalities who thrived greatly in commerce and industry, Madugu praise Alake of Egbaland.”
Responding, Alake and the paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, welcome Controller Madugu to Ogun state with assurance that he will enjoy the support of the good people of the state. “I will not call you to release any vehicle or goods arrested in the course of your duties; we shall support you whole heartedly because Customs generate money for the country which the Federal Government uses to share monthly as allocations to all states.”
“We shall continue to encourage our people not to run away from Customs but come forward to pay duties of their goods and carry on their businesses,” Alake assured Comptroller Madugu.
– Wale Adewunmi, Ogun State Correspondent