Despite the prevailing economic challenges , the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated a revenue of ₦4,767,776,213.37 in the month of August, 2024.
The Controller of the Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo who made this known during a press briefing in Ibadan on 30th August, 2024 added that the total revenue collected between June and July 2024 is ₦13,311,191,473.12.
He pointed that cumulatively, when added to the sum of ₦30,664,247,939:15 generated between January to May 2024, the sum of ₦48,743,215,625.64 was collected.
He noted that this signifies 2.74% increase when compared to the sum of ₦47,408,251,086.73 collected for the period of January to August 2023.
According to him, “from 14th June to 29th August, 2024 , the Command officers successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods including: 753 kegs and 94 Drums (40,915 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit, 2448 wraps and 11 sachets (2,020kg) of Cannabis Sativa, 2,183 (50kg) bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice, 2,667 pieces of used tyres, 24 bales of used clothing’s , 1 used Mazda car (626), 1 used pick-up truck, 1 (10) used tyres DAF truck , 1 (6) tyres used DAF truck which amounts to N713,150,400.00”
He announced that the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has given approval to the Command to hand over the 2448 wraps and another 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦148,932,000:00 the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command.
In the same vein, he mentioned that approval was received prior to the press briefing to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of the seizures due to its inflammable nature.
“A total of 40,915 Litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦27,894,900.00 have been auctioned during the period covering June 14th to August 29th 2024”
He disclosed that the Command is presently adopting various technological innovations to combat smuggling .
“However, I would like to point out that a bid to tackle the ever-evolving tactics of smugglers the Command is presently adopting various technological innovations, as well as strengthen our collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders and the general public to combat smuggling and protect our economy from the dangers of illicit trade”
“I would like to also emphasize that these seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability. The milestone recorded here today are as a result of strategic intelligence gathering, increased patrols, and the dedication of Command officers who have demonstrated exceptional vigilance and commitment to duty. The proactive measures taken by various Command anti-smuggling teams have not only prevented illegitimate trade but also protected our communities from the dangers posed by these illicit goods”
“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”
He expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers, stakeholders and sister security agencies.
“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” he said.
