The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated N18.07 billion revenue into the Federal Government coffers between June 14 and August 29, 2024.
This is as the men and officers of the command wrecked a massive blow on smugglers businesses by seizing contrabands and smuggled goods worth N713.15 million within the period under review.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) Dr Ben Oramalugo, while briefing newsmen on the activities of his command in Ibadan on Friday, said his officers had continued to sustain the desired onslaught against smugglers and their nefarious activities which are highly inimical to the economy.
Seized gallons of PMS
Oramalugo reiterated that his command would continue to leverage on the technological resources and capacity provided the Customs management under the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi to ensure that no revenue is lost on international trade carried out in the area.
He said: “For the months of June and July 2024 the Command collected a total revenue of ₦13.31 billion and for the period covering August 1st to August 23rd 2024 the Command has collected the sum of ₦4.77 billion, making a total of ₦18.078 billion.
“Cumulatively, when added to the sum of ₦30.66 billion generated between January and May 2024, the sum of ₦48.74 billion was collected. This signifies 2.74% increase when compared to the sum of ₦47.4 billion collected for the period of January to August 2023.”
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo inspects seized used vehicle tyres
The Oyo/Osun Customs area command head attributed the improved revenue performance to enhanced monitoring and enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and technological advancements, which helped to foster the locals, reduce bottlenecks and enhance his officers’ ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages.
The command seized various disturbing quantities of contrabands and smuggled goods, including premium motor spirit, popularly known as fuel being smuggled out of Nigeria to the neighbouring Republic of Benin.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that the command intercepted 753 kegs and 94 drums of fuel totalling 40,915 litres and valued at N27.89 million; 2448 wraps and 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) totalling 2,020kg and worth N148.93 million; and 2,183 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice with duty paid value of N192.14 million.
Other goods intercepted by the command include used tyres 2,667 pieces worth N254.84 million; 24 bales of used clothes valued at N17.28 million; one unit of used Mazda car valued at N3.6 million; a used Pick-up Truck worth N7.7 million; and two used DAF trucks valued at N60.8 million.
Comptroller Oramalugo handing over seized Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA
Oramalugo said that in spirit of interagency collaboration, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has given approval to the Command to hand over the 2, 448 wraps and another 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦148.93 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command.
In the same vein, he said approval was had also been received from the Customs management to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to its inflammable nature.
Oramalugo showcases the seized bales of used clothes.
“As we move forward, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in all our operations. We would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices in line with the new NCS Act of 2023 to further enhance our operations and deliver on our mandate.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration. Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act,” Oramalugo said.
