The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reiterated that his administration remains very sensitive to the welfare of the state’s workers.
The governor stated this while receiving the Area Comptroller, Oyo and Osun Command of the Nigerian Customs Services, Muhammed Bawa, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo.
Aregbesola described the present financial situation of the state that has made it unable to pay workers’ salary as disheartening and painful, saying however that no one can suggest or establish a single instance of recklessness on the part of his government.
The governor also held that an efficient and effective customs services is a veritable tool for improving the economy of the nation.
Aregbesola noted that a sure way for the country to protect and expand its economy is by ensuring that local industries are being protected adequately by the country’s Customs services.
He also added that Customs is an essential security service for a sovereign state, saying that the customs services should be on top of its game by by contributing positively to the nation’s economic development.
Aregbesola noted that for the economic development of the sub-region of West Africa to be fast-tracked, there must be a free customs zone in the sub-region of Africa.
According to him: “Nigeria at this time needs an effective and efficient Customs to improve and expand the economy of the country.
“Customs must screen products from foreign countries to ensure that they don’t affect the produce and production of our indigenous companies. Doing this will give room for industrialisation.
“It is only when people have job to do that their welfare and other needs will be guaranteed. This will also allow a safe society.”
The governor appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with Customs officials in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking earlier, Bawa said his command has come to Osun State to meet with auto-dealers in the state to educate them on how to legally run their business.
He admitted that Osun State, unlike other states, has few cases of illegal importation being a landlocked state, but noted that many illegally imported vehicles still find their way to Osun State.
The Customs boss said: “We have come to this state to meet with motor dealers. We have come to advice on government compliance regulations to enhance understanding and compliance to rules and regulation of the land.
“We want to reach them so that most of the illegally imported vehicles do not come to Osun and it wouldn’t be seen as being a harsh decision when officials of Customs perform their legitimate functions.”