CGC 2023 Conference: Oba Adeyeye advocates special economic zone for Lagos State

....as CG Adeniyi reveals that 70 percent of Customs monthly revenue is generated from Lagos

...Deputy Gov. Jatau urges retired Officers to support CG for the success of the Service

ZAINAB JUNAID

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi(Ojaja11), has advocated a special economic status for Lagos State given its contribution to the nation’s economy through revenue generation and development impact.

Oba Adeyeye made this call on Thursday December 14, 2023, during the Comptroller General of Customs Annual Conference at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, stressing that if 70 percent revenue generated by Nigeria Customs comes from Lagos State, then the Service should impact positively back to the state.

He emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to make Lagos State a better place and also praised the commitment of the leadership of the Nigeria Customs Service for adding value to President Tinubu administration eight point agenda.

His words “Thank God for new CG’s life for all the transformative agenda, innovation and forward looking leadership role he has been playing in Customs Service since he assumed office. How he motivated the entire Officers of Customs and how he infuses great ideas into what he is doing. The results speak for itself and the throne of Oduduwa will bless him more. COWA members are also appreciated for supporting their spouses in achieving their set targets.

“On behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwolu who has spoken with me spiritually, I will like to emphasize that why can’t you make Lagos a special economic zone? If 70 percent of the revenue generated by Customs comes from Lagos, then make sure in everything you do, look at how you will give back into where you are getting from. Please continue to champion it at the Federal level on how to make Lagos State a special economic zone, special economic territory for the lives of Lagosians to be better. Let’s work towards making Lagos a better place,” he advised.

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, earlier in his speech had revealed that 70 percent of the Service monthly revenue is generated from Lagos State. 

While speaking on the theme 'Leveraging Data Analytics for Secure and Efficient Trade Facilitation in Customs Operations', he said Lagos accommodates 40 percent of Customs Commands in the Country and in turn generated 70 percent of its monthly revenue.

To him, "Lagos accommodates 40 percent of our commands, thus contributing to over 70 percent of our monthly revenue. It is not just a location on the map, it is a linchpin for Nigeria Customs Service; depicting the integral role in the economic narrative of our great nation. 

"And as we navigate through the agenda of today, we hope that the synergy of Lagos and Customs inspire us to enhance operations and contribute significantly to the economic property of Nigeria," Adeniyi had disclosed.

Also speaking at the conference, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, explained that CGC Conference is always an avenue for appraisal based on the Service's contribution to the society.

"Nigeria Customs is assessed based on what the society feels and CGC Conference is expected to be an open place where the Customs will get it's feedback mechanism. No organisation survives without feedback. It is this response that let you know your status in front of your clients," he said.

Deputy Governor Jatau who is also a retired Deputy Comptroller General of Customs, urged his fellow retired colleagues not to abandon the Service but to continue rendering support to the new Comptroller General of Customs.

To him, "The retired Officers have worked for the Service for 35 years, you are product of Nigeria Customs Service.  Always keep in touch. For the serving Officers, let me assure you that having seen your Comptroller General, a resilience, adaptive leader, which is the characteristic of an organization, just as COWA is helping them, kindly render all the services you can to make the service move forward. Do all you can to make sure customs succeed," he advised.