…..As NANS Ondo leaders visit area command

By Adesina Wahab

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Joint Campus Committee, JCC, Ondo State and the Ondo/Ekiti Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service have emphasised the need to enhance lawful trade practices in the area.

This is just as the student body gave the assurance that it would always support efforts at making government agencies achieve the mandates for which they were set up.

This came to the fore during a visit of the leaders of NANS JCC Ondo to the Customs Area Command in Akure, Ondo State.

NANS, in a statement signed by the Chairman,

Comr. Oluwarotimi Joshua, the Secretary, Comr. Oluwanishola Ajibola and the Public Relations Officer, Comr. Kehinde Blessing, said the visit was to forge closer ties with the Customs Service.

Comrade Joshua, speaking on behalf of the delegation, emphasized the importance of fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the student community and the Customs Service.

He reiterated that students, as future leaders and agents of change, are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in their dealings with the authorities, and urged the Customs Service to adopt a similar mindset in its interactions with students.

Joshua expressed appreciation to the Area Controller, Comptroller Morenikeji Bewaji, for granting the NANS JCC Ondo leadership audience.

He highlighted some of the key concerns of the student community, especially those living in border areas affected by the activities of the Customs Service.

He pointed out that students in those areas  often encounter challenges such as disruptions in their daily lives due to border enforcement activities, including the movement of goods and people.

He added that the need for a harmonious relationship between students and the Customs Service was crucial to maintaining a peaceful and secure learning environment.

One of the major proposals brought forward during the meeting was the introduction of educational programmes that would enlighten students about the role and responsibilities of the Nigeria Customs Service, Customs regulations, lawful trade practices, and compliance with national laws.

This, he explained, would not only increase awareness but also foster a culture of lawfulness among the student population.

Joshua also touched on the need for potential internship opportunities for students, particularly those studying law, business administration, and other related fields, to gain firsthand experience in Customs operations. This initiative, he believed, would bridge the gap between students and the Customs Service while promoting career opportunities for graduates.

In her response, Comptroller Bewaji welcomed the NANS JCC Ondo delegation and commended their initiative to engage with the Customs Service.

She expressed her admiration for the leadership of Comrade Joshua and his team in taking proactive steps to engage with various stakeholders for the betterment of the student community.

However, Comptroller Bewaji was clear about certain limitations regarding some of the proposals put forward by the NANS JCC delegation.

Specifically, she expressed reservations about the suggested educational programmes, stating, “Customs officers deal with traders and not students. Therefore, for any educational programme to occur, you must have graduated from your institutions.”

She acknowledged the importance of student awareness but emphasized that Customs operations are primarily focused on trade regulations and law enforcement, which may not be directly relevant to students in an academic setting.

Nonetheless, she assured the NANS team of potential areas of collaboration where the interests of both students and Customs align, such as security, trade facilitation, and community relations.

Despite the challenges raised, Comptroller Bewaji remained optimistic about possible future partnerships between the Customs Service and the NANS JCC Ondo leadership. She promised to explore areas where both parties could work together, particularly in fostering a peaceful and secure environment in communities impacted by Customs activities.

She also hinted at the possibility of reaching out to the NANS JCC Ondo team if job opportunities arise within the Customs Service.

This, she explained, would provide a pathway for students who graduate and show interest in pursuing careers in the Nigeria Customs Service.