The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Command, said it has collected the Sum of ₦11,679,732,583.91 revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government in 7 weeks.
When added to the revenue collected for the period covering January to August 2023, the Command has collected a Sum of ₦59,087,983,670.64
This was contained in a press statement issued on Friday 10th November, 2023 by the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo in Ibadan said that the feat was made possible by the resolve of the command to continue to prioritise trade facilitation, “religiously enforce provisions of our extant laws aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, implementation of various measures to simplify customs processes, reducing bureaucracy within the system with the aim of promoting legitimate trade and foster a conducive business environment for Excise traders operating within the command’s area of responsibility.”
Oramalugo disclosed that during the period under review, the command with the use of intelligence and continuous patrol/enforcement operations has made series of interceptions comprising of: 1,248 (50kg) bags of rice with duty paid value of N27, 456,000; 425 (25 liters) kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 24 bales of used clothing, N4, 320,000 and used bags, N180,000; 492 pieces of used tyres with duty paid vale of N2,952,000; 64 sacks and 150 wraps of Cannabis Sativa worth N14, 138, 460; One Dane gun worth N9,000. The total duty paid value of the seizures made in the review period is N51, 180,460.
The CAC expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi who in his efforts to ensure the realization of the Command’s mandate in the area of suppression of smuggling has made provisions for operational vehicles to the Command and leveraging on the inspiration and support received we hope to improve our performance subsequent months ahead.
Comptroller Oramalugo said, “it is important to note that the Command recognizes the importance of collaboration and inter-agency cooperation of which it fosters strong partnerships with relevant Federal Government Agency, Trade Associations and the General Publics.
He added that necessary consultations and engagements have been held to address concerns, gather feedbacks and ensure a harmonized approach to Customs operations. In view of the aforementioned, it is important to note that the Command intercepted Sixty Four (64) Sacks and One Hundred and Fifty (150) compressed Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) from various axis within the Command’s Area of Responsibility.
Oramalugo said the said illegal substance weighing a total of 777.5kg would be handed over to the NDLEA today Friday 10th November 2023.
“Permit me to also state that the achievements showcased here today were made possible through timely sharing of credible intelligence and effective collaboration/synergy between all Units of Nigeria Customs Service resident between Oyo and Osun States. (Federal Operations Unit, Border Drill)”
The CAC also lauded the collaborative efforts of the Sister Agencies such as Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, NDLEA, and Oyo State Operation Burst are all appreciated.
“Furthermore we would also like to appreciate and acknowledge the cooperation of various Traditional rulers and Community leaders who have continued to enlighten their respective Communities of the ills of Smuggling.
Comptroller Oramalugo sounds a note of warning to individuals with nefarious intentions aimed at sabotaging the economic development of our great nation Nigeria to steer clear of the Command’s coverage area, as all available resources in accordance with all Extant laws as enshrined in the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 would be deployed not only to frustrate them but ensure such economic saboteurs are brought to justice.
“We solicit the assistance of well-meaning Nigerians and members of general public to provide useful information which can be used to apprehend economic saboteurs within their environment, to the Area Command so as to improve Command’s service delivery, rid our society of all economic saboteurs and to safeguard our great country Nigeria.
