Trading activities at the borders of Ogun State with Benin Republic have received a boost indicative of increased compliance leading to collection of N30,408,276 as revenue between October 1 and November 20, 2023 through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products
Acting Controller of Customs in charge of Ogun 1 Command, Deputy Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu who disclosed this to newsmen at Idiroko Border said the comman had collected N5,487,076 during same period of 2022
This ,according to Shuaibu, represents 400 percent increase in revenue and a mark of increase in legitimate trade across the borders in the state.
Shuaibu who explained the command’s enhanced customs community relations and strong inter agency collaborations with sister government agencies, added that the anti smuggling operations in the state is more geared towards maximum seizures with zero casualties on the part of his officers and citizens of the state.
While calling for compliance with the laws of the country as every citizen’s civic responsibility, the Acting Controller said his men are recharged by the motivation from the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to redouble their efforts an suppression of smuggling during the Yuletide period and beyond.
He specifically mentioned recently received 8 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks that has strengthened the logistics profile of the command for patrol, interdiction, arrest and making seizures.
Shuaibu reaffirmed the reopening of the Ogun Command borders to legitimate trading activities, noting that those peddling rumours to the contrary are not genuine traders and urged all legitimate traders to go about their businesses without fear and to make compliance their watchword.
He explained further that items such as rice and vehicles previously placed on restriction through land borders remains in force, even as he hinted that the federal government is currently considering a review of the policy.
He further explained that until the review becomes effective, all extant laws remain operational, just as he explained that reduction in both contraband and seizures of offensive trade items is a reflection of policy compliance, which he says is the ultimate desire of government and the customs service
Shuaibu said “From 1st to 31st of October, 2023, the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products. In comparison with the amount of N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period of year 2022, there is a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment. We are able to achieve these feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement.
“Our resolve to remain resolute in anti-smuggling fight has enabled the Command to record a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of 8 trailers load, among others.
“The persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, Foreign used Pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the Command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless. It is also a proof of our concern in safeguarding our motorists from road mishap which could terminate their lives or subject them to permanent disability. We are determined to making our society a safe place to live with peace of mind and an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive.
“We are pleased to inform you that, during the period under review, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures recorded by the Command amount to N398,470,687.00. Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc+ and his management team. As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of 8 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations. Other factors responsible for our achievements was the strategic deployment of our gallant Officers and Men, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
“In a bid to improve on the existing synergy and collaboration with critical stakeholders in Ogun State, upon resumption of office, we embarked on a familiarization tour of traditional Institutions and security agencies. We were warmly received in all the places visited and secured their reassurances of continuous support and good working relationship. We visited the palaces of Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the Olota and Paramount Ruler of Aworiland and Oniko of Ikolaje Kingdom, Idiroko. We equally visited the State Commands/Unit of the Nigerian Police (NPF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of Security Service, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy School of Music (NNSM) and 192 Battalion Rear of the Nigerian Army” he concluded
