Ogun II Customs Controller bolsters stakeholder bonds with familiarisation tour of excise factories, Free‑Trade Zones across Ogun State

The Customs Area Controller of Ogun II Command, Comptroller Olusola Olukemi Akingbade,  has embarked on a two (2) weeks familiarisation tour of excise factories and Free Trade Zones located within the Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ota and Agbara/ Igbesa industrial axis of Ogun State.

The visit, which is part of her ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and key stakeholders, underscored her administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and ensuring efficient revenue generation.

Addressing stakeholders during the tour, Comptroller Akingbade reaffirmed her resolve to maintain an open-door policy, encouraging active communication and constructive engagement between Customs and the business community.

“The Nigeria Customs Service cannot operate in isolation. Our success in revenue generation and trade facilitation depends on our ability to listen, engage, and partner effectively with stakeholders.” 

 “My office is open to your contributions and observations as we work together toward achieving our shared goals,” she stated.

At Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ota and Sagamu, the Brewery Manager expressed deep appreciation for the Controller’s leadership style, describing her as a “motherly figure” whose approach to administration reflects compassion, professionalism, and inclusiveness.

He lauded her for fostering a positive working relationship between Customs and Excise traders, noting that her “distinct pattern of leadership” has enhanced trust and cooperation across the command.

Similarly, during a courtesy call to Rite Foods Limited, Intercontinental Distileries, and Nigeria Distileries, the Heads of Human Resources commended Comptroller Akingbade for strengthening the bond between the companies and the Nigeria Customs Service. Noted that, within a few months under her leadership, the companies had experienced improved collaboration and smoother operational processes.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has played a vital role in our company's growth and development,” they said. “We have witnessed genuine partnership and support from the Ogun II Command, and this has reflected positively on our productivity,” he remarked.

The tour also featured a visit to the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, Flour Mill, and Celplas Free Trade Zone, where the Controller and her team were warmly received by the management and the Zone administrators. The officials at Zones praised Comptroller Akingbade’s dedication to promoting trade-friendly policies and acknowledged her significant contributions to the zone’s progress.

While expressing their appreciation, the Management also highlighted some operational challenges facing businesses within the Zones. In her response, Comptroller Akingbade assured them of the command’s prompt intervention, pledging to address any obstacles that could hinder smooth trade facilitation.

“Our mandate is not only to collect revenue but also to facilitate trade. We will take every necessary step to ensure that legitimate trade in these Free Trade Zones continues to thrive within the bounds of law,” she assured.

The familiarisation tour marks a key step in Comptroller Akingbade’s strategy to sustain stakeholder confidence, promote economic growth, and strengthen relations between Customs stakeholders within Ogun State.