OYO/OSUN CUSTOMS STRENGTHENS EXCISE COMPLIANCE THROUGH STAKEHOLDER VISIT TO INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES ILESA

OYO/OSUN CUSTOMS STRENGTHENS EXCISE COMPLIANCE THROUGH STAKEHOLDER VISIT TO INTERNATIONAL BREWERIES ILESA

In a renewed push to deepen collaboration with excise factories and other key stakeholders, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service paid a courtesy visit to the International Breweries Plc plant in Ilesa, Osun State, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The delegation was led by the Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Moses Adewole.

Addressing the management and staff of the company, DC Adewole underscored the critical role of compliance with existing excise laws and regulatory frameworks in sustaining government revenue and supporting broader national economic stability. He explained that the Command’s operational focus remains twofold: to create an enabling environment for legitimate trade to thrive, and to ensure the consistent enforcement of fiscal policies approved by the Federal Government. According to him, regular stakeholder engagement is a strategic tool for closing communication gaps, preventing infractions, and building trust between the Service and excise operators.

The Area Controller commended International Breweries Plc for its consistent contribution to the local and national economy. He cited the company’s role in job creation, value chain development, and its positive impact on the revenue generation profile of the Oyo/Osun Command as examples of how private sector compliance directly supports public sector mandates. He urged the management to maintain its current standards of record-keeping, duty remittance, and operational transparency, noting that compliant factories benefit from faster clearance processes and reduced audit risks.

In his remarks, the manager of International Breweries Plc, Mr Emmanuel Onabanjo, thanked the Command for the visit and described the engagement as both timely and impactful. He said the factory views the Nigeria Customs Service as a partner in growth and assured the visiting team that International Breweries remains committed to full compliance with all excise regulations and reporting requirements. He added that the company would continue to maintain open channels with the Command to promptly address any operational or policy concerns.

The interactive session provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss practical challenges affecting production, documentation, and excise duty processes. Issues raised were clarified on the spot, and both sides agreed on mechanisms for quicker resolution of future concerns. The dialogue also explored ways to improve data sharing and reporting timelines to further reduce delays in reconciliation.

DC Adewole reaffirmed that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will sustain its stakeholder-focused approach as part of the broader reform agenda of the Nigeria Customs Service. He said the Command will continue to balance trade facilitation with firm enforcement, ensuring that compliant businesses enjoy support while infractions are promptly addressed in line with the law.