Mohammed Aliyu, Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command, on Friday said Nigerians to embrace legitimate trade and shun all forms of illegal trading activities across border for economic development of the nation
Aliyu who was a key note speaker at the just concluded Badagry Economic Summit at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo, Badagry, Lagos State said embracing legitimate trade will helps in boosting the economy of the country and the government would be able to discharge its duties effectively.
The theme of the summit was “Unleashing Investment Opportunities Around Historic and Coastal Zones of Epe and Badagry”.
The Area Controller, who was represented by Chief Superintendent of Customs, Dave Oshoba, who harps on security as the key to successful investment in the country said that a secured environment would encourage investors to invest.
“Security is a major key and factor that would attract investors to a certain place so it is our collective responsibility in ensuring that our environment is secured.
“Investors must learn how to partner with its host communities because they are the ones that would secure the environment and ensure that properties are safe.
“Also, host communities must establish a cordial relationship with potential investors and ensure that they are embracing and not too demanding so that investors would be encouraged.
“Security is extremely important because no investor would be willing to invest in a place that is totally unsecured as it would result to waste of investment,” he said.
Aliyu said that trade facilitating helped to improve the economy, so people should always embrace legitimate trade.
“One of the functions of Customs is to generate revenue for the government and to block all forms of leakages.
“Trade facilitation must be carried out effectively without any form of hitches,” he said.
He urged the public to support the government and its policies.
