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By Victor Babayemi
The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, has intensified efforts to enhance inter-agency cooperation as the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, embarks on a series of strategic courtesy and working visits to sister security agencies and key stakeholders across Kwara State.
This development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs S.M. Suleiman, and made available to journalists in Ilorin.
According to the statement, Deputy Comptroller Ogundeyi, who officially assumed duty on 16 December 2025, described the visits as a critical aspect of his management approach.
He explained that the engagements are aimed at strengthening collaboration—one of the core policy thrusts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
During the visits, the Acting Area Controller underscored the importance of a united front in addressing emerging security challenges within Kwara State.
“Upon assuming office, I considered it a priority to engage with my counterparts to familiarise myself and further strengthen the existing synergy between our organisations,” he said.
Ogundeyi noted that the prevailing security environment demands collective action, stressing that no single agency can effectively deliver on its mandate in isolation.
“By working together, we create an enabling environment for the seamless execution of our respective responsibilities, ultimately ensuring the safety and peaceful coexistence of residents in Kwara State,” he added.
The Acting Controller further revealed that his predecessor had briefed him extensively on the strong cooperation already existing among security agencies in the state—an effort he credited for the Command’s recent operational successes.
He assured stakeholders that his leadership would be guided by mutual respect, professionalism, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law.
“I am here to consolidate the already established rapport among our services. I seek the same level of cooperation and support extended to my predecessor. Together, we will work assiduously to secure our borders and achieve our shared objectives,” he stated.
He also reiterated that while the Nigeria Customs Service is primarily responsible for revenue generation and trade facilitation, its role in national security and the protection of lives and property remains paramount.
In their separate remarks, heads of the various security agencies welcomed the Acting Area Controller and pledged their continued support, assuring him of sustained intelligence sharing and operational collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.
The agencies involved in the ongoing collaboration include the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, among others.
