Oyo/Osun Command Strengthens Partnership with BATN; Pays Courtesy Visit to Alaafin of Oyo

By Stella Okocha 

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, DC Wale Moses Adewole, alongside members of the Command’s management team, paid a courtesy visit to British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), In a bid to strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders in revenue generation and facilitation of legitimate trade.

During the visit on Thursday, 5 March 2026, the Acting CAC and his delegation were warmly received by the Director of Operations, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, where he expressed appreciation to the management of BATN for the warm reception and commended the company for its significant contribution to revenue generation to the NCS through excise duties, as well as its compliance with extant laws guiding excise operations.

He noted that BATN remains one of the key stakeholders of the Service in promoting legitimate trade and enhancing national revenue, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation between the Service and the company, soliciting continued support to ensure effective revenue collection in line with the statutory mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Responding to the visit, the Director of Operations of BATN, Mr. Hasnain Ishtiaq, appreciated DC Adewole and his delegation for the visit and for recognizing the organization as a critical stakeholder of the Service.

He commended 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 assured the Acting Area Controller of BATN’s continued cooperation and commitment to full compliance with all regulatory requirements to support national economic growth.

In a related development, the Acting CAC also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, where he acknowledged the revered traditional institution as a custodian of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yoruba people.

DC Adewole highlighted the importance of community’s collaboration in the fight aganst smuggling and appealed to the Alaafin to use his revered position to sensitize members of the community on the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on the nation’s economy.

In his response, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s economy through effective revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.

The monarch assured the Area Controller of the palace’s support in sensitizing the people of Oyo and its environs on the need to shun smuggling and embrace lawful economic activities that will contribute to national development.

DC Adewole reaffirmed the commitment of the Oyo/Osun Area Command to strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders, traditional institutions, and members of the public in order to enhance revenue generation, promote legitimate trade, and support the economic prosperity of the nation.