The Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has generated
₦11,679,732,583.91k (Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Three Naira, Ninety One Kobo) as revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government between September and October. The command also intercepted 777.5kg Cannabis Sativa within the period.
Addressing the media in Ibadan on Friday, the Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD explained that when added to the revenue collected for the period covering January to August 2023, the Command has collected a Sum of ₦59,087,983,670.64k (Fifty Nine Billion, and Eighty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Naira, Sixty Four Kobo).
The controller noted that this feat was made possible by the resolve to continue to prioritize trade facilitation, religiously enforce provisions of NCS 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.
During the period under review, Oramalugo said the command with the use of intelligence and continuous patrol/enforcement operations has made series of interceptions.
He stated that the Command recognizes the importance of collaboration and inter-agency cooperation of which it fosters strong partnerships with relevant Federal Government Agencies, Trade Associations and the General Publics.
The controller disclosed that necessary consultations and engagements have been held to address concerns, gather feedbacks and ensure a harmonized approach to Customs operations.
He highlighted the number of Cannabis Sativa intercepted as 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.
The illegal substance weighing a total of 777.5kg was handed over to the NDLEA during the briefing.
Oramalugo stated that the achievements showcased 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 and Border Drill.
He also appreciated 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.
He further appreciated and acknowledged the cooperation of various traditional rulers and community leaders who have continued to enlighten their respective Communities of the ills of smuggling.
The controller expressed his appreciation to the Government of Oyo and Osun States for providing an enabling environment for the Command’s Officers and Men to perform their statutory functions, while assuring compliant stakeholders with legitimate businesses within the Command’s Area of Responsibility of the command’s maximum cooperation.
Earlier, the controller hinted that under his distinguished leadership, several laudable achievements have been accomplished which aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation and suppression of smuggled/prohibited items within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR).
According to him, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has a mandate of revenue collection from various Excise factories and the suppression of smuggling within its Area of Responsibility.
Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR 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 that leveraging on the inspiration and support received the command hopes to improve its performance subsequent months ahead.
He warned individuals with nefarious intentions aimed at sabotaging the economic development of Nigeria to stay 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.
Furthermore, he solicited 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 the Command’s service delivery, rid our society of all economic saboteurs and to safeguard Nigeria.