Nigeria Customs Strengthens Revenue Partnership with BAT Nigeria, Seeks Alaafin’s Support Against Smuggling

The Nigeria Customs Service has moved to deepen collaboration with major industry players to boost revenue generation and strengthen the fight against smuggling.

Officials from the Oyo/Osun Area Command paid a visit to British American Tobacco Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on excise duty collection and legitimate trade.

The acting controller of the command, Wale Moses Adewole, said the partnership was key to sustaining government revenue and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.

Customs, BAT reaffirm cooperation

Mr Adewole and members of the command’s management team visited BAT Nigeria on Thursday where they were received by the company’s Director of Operations, Hasnain Ishtiaq.

Mr Adewole thanked the company for its cooperation with customs authorities and its role in contributing revenue through excise duties.

He said:

“BATN remains one of the key stakeholders of the Service in promoting legitimate trade and enhancing national revenue.”

He added that sustained collaboration between both organisations would help ensure efficient revenue collection in line with the statutory mandate of the customs service.

Mr Ishtiaq welcomed the customs delegation and acknowledged the agency’s role in facilitating lawful trade while protecting Nigeria’s borders.

He said:

“We commend the Nigeria Customs Service for its dedication to revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade, and protection of the nation’s borders—key responsibilities that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.”

He added that BAT Nigeria would continue to comply fully with regulatory requirements.

“We assure the Acting Controller of BATN’s continued cooperation and commitment to full compliance with all regulatory requirements to support national economic growth.”

Why it matters

Excise duties from manufacturing companies form a significant part of Nigeria’s non-oil revenue.

Partnerships between customs authorities and large manufacturers help ensure accurate tax compliance while reducing illicit trade that can undermine government revenue.

Smuggling and illicit goods also distort markets and affect legitimate businesses operating within regulatory frameworks.

Customs seeks traditional support against smuggling

In a related visit, Mr Adewole also met the traditional ruler of Oyo, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade.

During the visit to the palace, the customs chief described the traditional institution as a custodian of Yoruba culture and an important partner in community awareness.

He urged the monarch to help educate residents about the dangers of smuggling and its impact on Nigeria’s economy.

Alaafin pledges community support

The Alaafin praised the customs service for its efforts to protect Nigeria’s economy through revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.

He pledged support from the palace in sensitising residents of Oyo and surrounding communities.

The monarch said the palace would encourage citizens to avoid smuggling and instead engage in lawful economic activities that support national development.

What’s next

Mr Adewole said the Oyo/Osun Area Command would continue strengthening partnerships with industry leaders, traditional institutions and the public.

He added that the goal is to boost revenue collection, promote legitimate trade and support Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has congratulated Taiwo Oyedele on his appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the governor described the appointment as “well-deserved” and praised Mr Oyedele’s record in fiscal policy and economic reform.

“Mr Taiwo Oyedele’s emergence as Minister of State for Finance is a testament to his exceptional competence, professional integrity and longstanding contributions to fiscal policy and economic reforms in our country,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said.

He also thanked President Tinubu for what he called recognition of Ondo State’s human capital.

“We are profoundly grateful to Mr President for once again recognising the capacity and quality of Ondo indigenes. This appointment not only affirms confidence in Mr Oyedele’s expertise but also strengthens Ondo State’s representation at the federal level,” the governor added.

Why It Matters

The Ministry of Finance plays a central role in shaping Nigeria’s economic direction, including taxation, revenue generation and public spending.

At a time of economic adjustment and revenue reforms, appointments within the finance ministry can influence fiscal discipline, investor confidence and federal-state collaboration.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said Mr Oyedele’s experience would be valuable in national economic management.

“I am confident that his knowledge and reform-driven mindset will contribute meaningfully to strengthening our national economy, while also creating avenues for strategic collaboration that will benefit Ondo State, particularly in revenue optimisation, infrastructure financing and sustainable development,” he said.

What’s Next?

Attention will now turn to how the new minister aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing fiscal reforms and revenue expansion plans.

Stakeholders will also watch for collaboration between federal and state governments, especially on infrastructure financing and internally generated revenue strategies.

Governor Aiyedatiwa assured the new minister of support from Ondo State.

He wished Mr Oyedele a “successful and impactful tenure” in his new national assignment.

The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command has strengthened ties with the Nigerian Navy in a renewed push to secure Nigeria’s maritime corridor and protect government revenue.

The Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, paid a courtesy visit on Wednesday to the Flag Officer Commanding of the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha.

The meeting focused on improving operational synergy in line with the policy direction of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Why it matters

Apapa Port handles a significant share of Nigeria’s imports and exports.

Any disruption to security in the maritime domain can delay cargo clearance, increase costs for businesses and reduce government revenue.

Customs officials say closer coordination with the Navy will help curb smuggling, block revenue leakages and ensure safer waters for vessels entering Nigerian ports.

Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Oshoba said the collaboration aligns with the CGC’s three policy thrusts.

“The CGC has Three (3) key policy thrusts. The first is consolidation. On assuming duty, I resolved to consolidate on the gains already achieved and improve the existing relationship between Apapa Command and the Nigerian Navy within this axis,” he said.

On collaboration, he added: “While Customs is known for trade facilitation and revenue generation, we also perform critical security functions. To achieve this mandate, we must collaborate with the military, the mother of security.”

He described innovation as a strategy for improving results, noting: “Innovation is doing things differently to achieve better results and strengthening inter-agency cooperation is part of that approach.”

Securing Nigeria’s waters

Comptroller Oshoba praised the Navy’s role in maritime safety.

“No vessel can come into the country without safe waters. We commend you for keeping the maritime environment secure,” he said.

He also sought sustained naval support along the Apapa port corridor to ensure seamless cargo movement.

In response, Rear Admiral Mustapha stressed that port security depends on coordination.

“Port security is about inter-agency and coordination. Without security, there is no development,” he said.

He also commended Customs leadership under CGC Adeniyi.

“The Customs has done exceptionally well in blocking revenue leakages and surpassing national revenue targets. Continue what you are doing; with more revenue, there will be more infrastructure and social safety network for the country.”

The Flag Officer Commanding assured the Apapa Command of improved cooperation in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

What’s next?

Officials say the renewed partnership will focus on intelligence sharing, joint patrols and operational coordination.

For importers and exporters, this could mean faster clearance times and reduced risks in Nigeria’s busiest port environment.