The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd), has pledged his kingdom’s support for the Nigeria Customs Service’s anti-smuggling drive.

The monarch, who is also Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, gave the assurance when he received the Acting Customs Area Controller of the Edo/Delta Area Command, Deputy Comptroller Dominic Dooyum Ortsen, during a familiarisation visit to the Okpe Palace.

According to a statement issued on Friday in Benin by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Peters Josu, the monarch said his kingdom will support the Service’s efforts to combat smuggling, promote voluntary compliance with revenue obligations and protect the economic interests of the Federal Government.

The Orodje acknowledged the critical role of the Nigeria Customs Service in national development, particularly in revenue generation, enforcement of trade regulations and prevention of smuggling across the nation’s borders.

He noted that traditional institutions have a role to play in sensitising communities against smuggling and other economic activities that undermine national revenue and security.

In his remarks, Ortsen thanked the Orodje and the people of Okpe Kingdom for the warm reception and support, describing the royal blessing as crucial to the success of the Command’s operations in the state.

Ortsen added that his determination is to sustain and uphold the policies and plans of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, towards transforming the Nigeria Customs Service and improving revenue generation for the Federal Government.