By Emma Peter
The Acting Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Area Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Mark Behora, has called for stronger collaboration with Innoson Group to promote indigenous manufacturing and secure sponsorship for the Command’s forthcoming Officers’ Night Out scheduled for November 2026.
Behora made the call during a working visit to Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Company in Nnewi, Anambra State, where he was received by the Chairman of Innoson Group, Innocent Chukwuma.
The visit, according to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs Chikezie Nwankwo, included a delegation from the Office of the National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of With the Starz, Femi Amorin.
The Customs chief described the engagement as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the Service and the indigenous automobile manufacturer. He also commended Chukwuma for his contributions to Nigeria’s industrial development and the company’s attainment of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.
“We recognise the important role indigenous manufacturers play in building our economy. Strengthening our relationship with Innoson will provide further opportunities for collaboration, support local production and advance economic development, particularly in the South-East,” Behora said.
As part of the engagement, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I Okpanachi Adejoh of the Public Relations Unit at the Service’s headquarters presented the forthcoming Officers’ Night Out 2026 initiative and appealed for the company’s continued sponsorship.
Responding, Chukwuma described the Nigeria Customs Service as a longstanding partner that had supported his business throughout more than four decades of operations. He emphasised the need to encourage local industries as a means of promoting industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.
“We must continue to encourage our own industries because industrialisation is important to economic growth and sustainability. I appreciate the relationship we have built with the Customs Service and will support the forthcoming Officers’ Night Out. The details of the sponsorship can be worked out through formal engagement,” Chukwuma said.
The engagement underscores the importance of strengthening partnerships between public institutions and indigenous businesses to promote local production, industrial development and mutually beneficial cooperation.
