The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Ogun II Area Command has said that it will collaborate and build a working synergy with student bodies at tertiary institutions in the state.
Bisi Alade, the Area Comptroller, made the announcement on Wednesday while meeting with leaders of student bodies affiliated with the National Association of Nigerian Students at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.
The student leaders included NANS National Senate Clerk Abdulyekinn Oduanyo, NANS Chairman, Ogun JCC Francis Adeyanju, and NAOSS Global President Kehinde Thomas, among others.
Alade, represented by the Deputy Comptroller, G.A Otunola, recommended that while economic challenges impact everyone, student bodies can engage in business to support themselves.
He said, “Did you know that as a student body, you can establish and own a factory here? We can provide strong collaboration to support your business, sell your products on campus, and support your organization.
“The command will provide you with good support and collaboration. We have experienced the hardship faced by students as we have family members in schools too.”
The NANS National Senate Clerk, Abdulyekinn Oduanyo, commended the command for its efforts and requested assistance in developing infrastructure on campuses and offering technical skills to students.
Oduanyo called for collaboration to create awareness programs that inform students both on and off campus, as well as the broader public, about the significance of customs operations.
“I appreciate your efforts towards fulfilling your duties despite the challenges facing the country – preventing smuggling, illegal trade, and generating revenue. We are here to partner with you. As student leaders, we cannot ignore the fact that every law made in this country directly affects us because we have families at home and students in every home.
“We would like you to provide technical skills for our students on campuses and help in developing some basic infrastructure because many campuses lack adequate facilities, and we cannot burden the state government alone; some government agencies should also play a role in this.”
He also urged the command to implement food relief programmes to assist students on various campuses.
In response, the customs chief stressed that it is not the command’s job to give food relief because its primary function is to collect excise duties on locally manufactured goods such as cigarettes and carbonated drinks, among others.