Comptroller Sarah Wadinda, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Lagos Industrial Area Command, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to transparency, stakeholder collaboration, and regulatory compliance.
During a visit to the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Ikeja plant on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, Comptroller Wadinda emphasised that partnerships between Customs and the private sector are crucial to achieving national economic goals.
“I’m here to remind us that we remain partners. Without your presence and operations, an officer cannot be posted here. Section 29 of the NCS Act highlights the importance of collaborating with you transparently and consulting with you to enhance cooperation and compliance with Customs regulations,” she said.
NBC Plant Manager, Olusola Owoye, welcomed the visit, describing it as a testament to the robust and supportive relationship with government agencies. “This reflects the level of support we enjoy from regulatory bodies. We’ve received valuable feedback from the Area Controller herself, including areas of opportunity we can capitalise on as a company.”
“If this level of partnership and commitment to collaboration with corporate organisations continues, I believe the country is on the right track,” Owoye added.
Following the engagement, Comptroller Wadinda explained that the visit formed part of a wider tour of industrial and multinational facilities under her command. She commended firms that fully comply with Customs regulations and urged those yet to align to do so without delay.
“For those not adhering to the regulations, we emphasised the importance of acting within the law and upholding best practices in production and manufacturing,” she noted.
She also revealed the command’s ongoing efforts to identify and regularise factories outside regulatory oversight.
“We’re actively identifying non-compliant factories, including those operating covertly. Our aim is to bring them into the fold, register them, and ensure they begin to meet their obligations,” she concluded.
