Orodje of Okpe: Pledges Customs Anti-Smuggling Support

• The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Felix Mujakperuo, pledged support for the Nigeria Customs Service's anti-smuggling efforts in Delta State.
• Deputy Comptroller Dominic Dooyum Ortsen of the Edo/Delta Area Command received this assurance during a familiarisation visit to the Okpe Palace.
• The monarch emphasized the critical role of Customs in national development and the need for community support against illicit trade.
• Ortsen committed to strengthening relationships with traditional institutions to enhance compliance and combat smuggling.
• Customs appealed to communities and stakeholders to provide timely information on suspicious activities for national economic development.

The Orodje of Okpe Customs anti-smuggling support is specifically aimed at bolstering the NCS's efforts to combat smuggling activities, encourage voluntary adherence to revenue obligations, and diligently safeguard the economic interests of the Federal Government.

The Acting Customs Area Controller for the Edo/Delta Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Dominic Dooyum Ortsen, recently secured a significant commitment from Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, regarding the ongoing battle against illicit trade. During a familiarisation visit by Ortsen and his delegation to the Okpe Palace, the monarch, who also chairs the Delta State Traditional Rulers, pledged his kingdom's full backing for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). This assurance, detailed in a statement released on Friday in Benin by Assistant Superintendent of Customs Peters Josu, the Command Public Relations Officer, underscores a crucial alliance in the region.

The Orodje of Okpe Customs anti-smuggling support is specifically aimed at bolstering the NCS's efforts to combat smuggling activities, encourage voluntary adherence to revenue obligations, and diligently safeguard the economic interests of the Federal Government. This royal endorsement highlights the growing recognition among traditional authorities of their pivotal role in national economic security and compliance.

The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom articulated a clear understanding of the Nigeria Customs Service's indispensable function in national development. He emphasized its critical contributions to revenue generation, the rigorous enforcement of trade regulations, and the proactive prevention of smuggling across the nation's extensive borders. The monarch further observed that while numerous individuals and businesses benefit from governmental services, a segment remains hesitant to fulfill their essential tax and revenue responsibilities, thereby impeding progress.

He stressed the imperative need to support customs officers, particularly those operating in challenging border areas where Edo/Delta Area Command smuggling activities present substantial obstacles to effective revenue collection and the smooth functioning of legitimate commercial enterprises. The Felix Mujakperuo Customs support is rooted in the conviction that traditional institutions bear a significant responsibility in protecting governmental interests and fostering widespread compliance with the law. He assured the visiting delegation of his kingdom's readiness to cooperate with government bodies in the execution of their statutory duties, recognizing that such collaboration is mutually beneficial and ultimately serves the interests of the populace.

In response to the monarch's pledge, Deputy Comptroller Ortsen conveyed his sincere appreciation to the Orodje and the people of Okpe Kingdom for their warm reception and invaluable support. He reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service Delta State command's steadfast commitment to fortifying its relationships with traditional institutions, local community leaders, and other pertinent stakeholders. This strategic engagement aims to significantly enhance public awareness regarding customs regulations, improve overall compliance, and more effectively address Edo/Delta Area Command smuggling within its designated operational territory.

Ortsen further affirmed his unwavering determination to uphold and sustain the policies and strategic plans initiated by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. These overarching objectives are geared towards a comprehensive transformation of the Nigeria Customs Service and a substantial improvement in the Federal Government's revenue generation capabilities. The focus on Okpe Kingdom trade compliance through community engagement is a key pillar of this broader strategy.

Concluding his remarks, Deputy Comptroller Ortsen issued a compelling appeal to various segments of society, including communities, traditional rulers, transporters, and other crucial stakeholders. He urged them to embrace border security not merely as a governmental concern but as a collective responsibility. This call to action specifically requested the provision of credible and timely information concerning suspicious activities.

Such collaborative intelligence sharing is deemed vital for effectively tackling Orodje of Okpe Customs anti-smuggling operations and for sealing off revenue leakages, which are essential for fostering national economic development. This proactive approach underscores the growing emphasis on Traditional rulers Customs cooperation Nigeria, recognizing the unique position of local leaders in mobilizing community support for national security and economic prosperity.

This development signals increased community-backed enforcement efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service in Delta State, particularly in the Okpe Kingdom. Lawyers advising clients involved in trade, import/export, or logistics in this region should emphasize heightened compliance with trade regulations and anti-smuggling laws, as traditional authorities are actively promoting cooperation with government agencies to report non-compliance and protect economic interests. Compliance officers should review their clients' risk exposure in border areas, considering the potential for increased vigilance and reporting from local communities.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH