The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Abdullahi Kaila, has harped on the need for collaboration between the NCS and the media, saying journalists are critical stakeholders in national development and security architecture.
The CAC averred that effective partnership with the media is paramount to the success of any public institution.
Comptroller Kaila made the assertion when the executive members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid him a courtesy visit at Seme, Lagos.
He said the Service had always embraced collaboration, noting that stakeholders’ engagement remained a key component of the agency’s operations.
“Collaboration has always been very important because without it, you cannot go far. That is what the Nigeria Customs Service believes in, and that is why wherever we find ourselves, we make deliberate efforts to engage stakeholders and build strong partnerships,” he said.
He further described journalists as indispensable partners whose role extends beyond reporting events to shaping public perception and promoting accountability.
“As a Customs officer, it is important for me to collaborate with journalists because I know the critical role they play in the society. People often say that journalists can make or mar an organisation or an individual. That is why there is a need for mutual understanding and a good working relationship so that everyone can carry out their responsibilities effectively,” he stated.
Kaila assured the MARCON executives that he would sustain and strengthen the existing relationship between the Command and maritime journalists.
The Controller also commended journalists for their support to the Command, revealing that intelligence provided by media practitioners had contributed significantly to some of the Command’s recent anti-smuggling successes.
He said several of the seizures recently showcased by the Command were made possible through credible information received from stakeholders, including journalists.
“Many of the achievements we have recorded in recent weeks were aided by intelligence supplied by some of you. We acted promptly on the information, and by the grace of God, we recorded successes through the interception of some of those smuggled goods. I must sincerely thank you for that support,” he said.
On reports of numerous checkpoints along the Seme-Abidjan Corridor, Kaila disclosed that he personally undertook an assessment of the corridor after reading reports on the issue.
While acknowledging the existence of some unauthorised roadblocks, the Controller noted that reports on the issue were often exaggerated.
“When I saw the reports, I decided to verify them myself. Accompanied by my driver and another officer, I travelled from the Seme border through Badagry up to Ijanikin. I observed some checkpoints, but certainly not the 50 or 60 being reported.
“I will not say there are no checkpoints at all. If there were none, there would be no complaints. However, the figures being circulated are exaggerated,” he said.
Kaila attributed many of the unauthorised checkpoints to individuals acting without the approval of their respective agencies and assured stakeholders that efforts were ongoing to address the situation.
The Area Controller disclosed that the Command had already constituted a committee to monitor the corridor and identify officers operating outside approved locations.
He added that the Customs Service was also engaging other security agencies to tackle the issue collectively and improve trade facilitation along the international corridor.
“We are not sleeping on the matter. A committee is already in place to move around and ensure that anyone found where they are not supposed to be is dealt with appropriately. We will not allow anyone to constitute a nuisance on the road.
“We are discussing and engaging other sister agencies on this issue. What I can assure you is that we are actively addressing it. Whenever you see anything that requires our attention, do not hesitate to inform us,” Kaila said.
Reaffirming his confidence in the media, the Controller urged journalists to remain committed to factual and balanced reporting.
MARCON President, Mr Ismail Aniemu, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustaining a cordial and professional relationship with the Service, particularly the Seme Area Command.
He assured Comptroller Kaila of the support and cooperation of maritime journalists in promoting the activities of the Command through balanced, factual and responsible reportage.
Aniemu noted that the media and Customs shared a common responsibility in advancing national economic and security objectives, stressing that a stronger partnership would enhance public understanding of the Service’s operations while encouraging transparency and accountability.
Describing Seme border as one of Nigeria’s most strategic gateways and a critical artery for ECOWAS trade and regional integration, he expressed confidence that the Controller’s leadership would contribute significantly to improving trade facilitation, security and ease of movement along the corridor.
The MARCON President also wished Comptroller Kaila success in his efforts to sanitise the Seme border corridor and tackle the challenge of unauthorised checkpoints along the international trade route.
