The Seme area command of the Nigeria Customs Service had sought for closer collaboration with the host community in curbing smuggling activities at the border.
Area Controller of the command, Victor Dimka who made the appeal when he visited border communities in Seme solicited the cooperation of the community leaders saying he cannot succeed alone in the task of revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations without their cooperation.
According to a press release issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SelechangTaupyen and made available to SHIPS & PORTS DAILY, Dimka explained that the Customs Community Consultative forum which he said was an aspect of public relations that build and nurture face to face community relationship was also a platform that provides better understanding between the Nigeria Customs Service and the host communities.
Dimka used the forum to sensitize the community leaders on the negative effects of smuggling and consumption of imported frozen poultry products stressing that the formalin chemical which is used to preserve the products is dangerous to the health of Nigerians.
He noted that leaders are only respected when they lead by example and are seen to be doing the right thing.
He promised that the service will continue to demonstrate sensitivity to community concerns as anything that affect the community will also affect the service performance and responsibilities to the Nigerian people.
He said, “Considering the sensitivity and importance of the forum to the service, the Nigeria Customs Service has a moral debt to take their place in the community to be good neighbours, show awareness and willingness to co-exist,” he said.
“The benefit of this face to face interactive session that address community concerns directly could be tangible or intangible. The service expects that the understanding will go a long way to cushion any hiccup that might have been militating against its operations at the international border”, he said
He urged them to partner with him to become vanguard and agents of change in their immediate communities.
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