In the face of the prevailing economic conditions, the Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service has between
January to November 2024 generated a total revenue of ₦72,568,409,802.02 (Seventy-Two Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Two Naira, Two Kobo) representing a significant increase of 13.17% when compared to the sum of ₦64,118,678,267.69 (Sixty-Four Billion, One Hundred and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira, Sixty-Nine Kobo) collected in the same period of 2023.
Similarly, in the months of October and November 2024, the command collected the sum of ₦15,911,581,116.72 (Fifteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Eleven Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand, One Hundred and Sixteen Naira Seventy-Two Kobo), which represents an increase of 33.57% when compared to the sum of
₦11,912,219,301.19 (Eleven Billion, Nine Hundred and Twelve Million, Two Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Three Hundred and One Naira Nineteen Kobo) collected in the same period of 2023.
Disclosing this at a press conference in Ibadan on Friday, the Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, described this achievement as a testament to his officers’ diligence, enhanced enforcement of Customs laws and improved trade facilitation measures.
The controller also noted that by adopting modern trade facilitation tools and promoting transparency, the command has strengthened compliance among excise stakeholders, ensuring that revenue leakages are effectively curtailed, as the revenue collected contributes significantly to national development and supports the Federal Government’s economic agenda.
In addition to revenue collection duties, Oramalugo stated that between 30th October and 19th December, 2024, the command intensified its efforts in safeguarding lives and protecting local industries as it intercepted
substantial prohibited items with a Duty Paid Valued of ₦370,772,600:00 (Three Hundred and Seventy Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira), showing the command’s commitment to performing its statutory duties. Among the goods seized were 110 bags of foreign rice (50kg); packs of foreign Macaroni, 4000 packs; Premium Motor Spirit (Perol) 9425 litres; second hand clothing 111 bales; used tyres 348 pieces; banned and unlicensed pharmaceuticals Chloroquine injection 50 cartons and two vehicles.
He maintained that the anti-smuggling operation strategies already deployed has the festive season approaches, would leave no stone unturned to safeguarding lives of citizens, facilitating legitimate trade, securing local industries and ensuring compliance with laws.
He stressed that the dangers posed by these smuggling activities cannot be overstated, as they not only compromise public health but also stifle the growth of local industries and deprive the government of much-needed revenue for infrastructure and development projects. He explained that the seizures were carried out in strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET). “The legal provisions enshrined in these books of authority guide our activities, reinforce our mandate to protect national interests, uphold the law, and maintain the integrity of our border,” he said.
The controller noted that the enforcement of these seizures aligns with section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which highlights the provision for the seizure, detention and condemnation of prohibited goods, as well as Schedules 3 (Import Prohibition) and Schedule 4 (Absolute Prohibition) of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) that provides a list of prohibited items.
Oramalugo announced that approval has been granted to the command by the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in accordance with his policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation, to hand over the seized Pharmaceuticals to the National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation.
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Comptroller General and his management team for always supporting the command. He also expressed his gratitude to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Nigeria Customs Service for their support, gallant officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their unwavering dedication and patriotic citizens of Oyo and Osun States in ensuring the success of its operations.
The controller however, as we approach the festive season I would like urged the general public to keep supporting the Nigeria Customs Service by providing credible intelligence, complying with trade laws and rejecting any form of economic sabotage as the festive season approaches.
The controller assured that “the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery solely to protect lives, secure local industries and promote a thriving economy because together we will continue to build a more robust and prosperous Nigeria.”
He wished all stakeholders Compliments of the Season and a Prosperous New Year.