Delta monarch backs Customs’ anti-smuggling drive

The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Edo/Delta Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Dominic Dooyum Ortsen, has secured the backing of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Felix Mujakperuo, in the fight against smuggling.

The monarch gave the assurance when he received Ortsen and his delegation during a familiarisation visit to the Okpe Palace.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Benin by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Peters Josu.

The monarch said, “My kingdom will support the Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts to combat smuggling, promote voluntary compliance with revenue obligations and protect the economic interests of the Federal Government.”

The monarch, who is also the Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers, acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in national development, particularly in revenue generation, enforcement of trade regulations and the prevention of smuggling across the nation’s borders.

He noted that government revenue remained essential for the effective delivery of public services and the implementation of development programmes.

“I have observed that while many individuals and businesses benefit from government services, some remain reluctant to fulfil their tax and revenue obligations.

“There is a need to support customs officers, particularly those operating in border areas where smuggling activities pose significant challenges to revenue collection and legitimate commercial activities,” he added.

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He assured the delegation of the kingdom’s willingness to cooperate with government institutions in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, stressing that traditional institutions had an important role to play in protecting government interests and promoting compliance with the law.

The monarch further observed that cooperation between traditional rulers and government agencies was mutually beneficial, noting that protecting government interests also contributed to safeguarding and advancing the interests of the people.

In his response, Ortsen thanked the Orodje and the people of Okpe Kingdom for the warm reception and support.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to strengthening relationships with traditional institutions, community leaders and other relevant stakeholders to enhance public awareness, improve compliance and tackle smuggling within its area of responsibility.

“My determination is to sustain and uphold the policies and plans of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, towards transforming the Nigeria Customs Service and improving the revenue of the Federal Government,” he added.

Ortsen appealed to communities, traditional rulers, transporters and other key stakeholders to regard border security as a collective responsibility by providing credible and timely information on suspicious activities to tackle smuggling and block revenue leakages for national economic development.