The Oyo/Osun command of Nigeria Customs Service has successfully generated ₦82,193,426,334.10k (Eighty-Two billion, One hundred and ninety-three million, Four hundred and twenty-six thousand, Three hundred Thirty-Four-naira, Ten kobo) in 2024.
This amount is 15.3% higher than the amount collected in fiscal year 2023 which was ₦71,292,530,398.17k (Seventy-One billion, Two hundred and ninety-two million, Five hundred and thirty thousand, Three hundred- and Ninety-Eight-naira, seventeen kobo).
Addressing the press at the Ibadan headquarters of the command on Friday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo PhD, described the revenue collected as
exceptional and respectable. The controller noted that despite the severe economic obstacles encountered, the total revenue received in 2024 is the largest since the inception of the Command.
“This achievement in all modesty represents the hard work and dedication of the officers and men under my leadership, as well as our strong collaboration with stakeholders in the business community, in-depth strategic enforcement and improved compliance,” Oramalugo stated.
Additionally, he announced that for the month of January 2025, command collected the sum of ₦7,804,408,776:88k (Seven billion, Eight hundred and four million, Four hundred and eight thousand, Seven hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo).
According to the controller, the sum collected signifies a 10.1% and 14.3% when compared to the sums of ₦7,088,191,138:30k (Seven billion, Eighty-eight million, One hundred and ninety-one thousand, One hundred and thirty-eight naira, thirty kobo) ₦6,824,954,338:96k (Six billion, Eight hundred and Twenty-four million, Nine hundred and fifty-four thousand, Three hundred- and thirty-eight-naira, ninety-six kobo) collected in the year 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Comptroller Oramalugo explained that in the face of the prevailing economic situation and implementation of various fiscal policies to stabilize the country’s economy, the revenue milestone was achieved with the successful implementation of many strategic initiative’s aimed at increasing compliance and streamlining procedures.
He pointed out that the command was able to reduce delays, boost efficiency, and facilitate trade while collecting proper duties by utilizing technology such as the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and taking a proactive approach in addressing legitimate traders’ problems.
On Anti-Smuggling and National Security, the controller maintained that through sustained efforts, the command achieved tremendous progress in countering unlawful activities that endanger the country’s security and impede the growth of local industry.
To this end, the command intercepted and seized uncustomed commodities valued at ₦5,377,759,260:00k (Five billion, three hundred and seventy-seven million, seven hundred and fifty-nine thousand, two hundred and sixty naira only).
Oramalugo posited that the command’s scorecard for anti-smuggling efforts in 2024 is likewise of massive proportions when compared with the duty paid value of ₦451,479,759:00k (Four hundred and fifty-one million, four hundred and seventy-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine naira only) intercepted and confiscated in 2023. The duty paid value for 2024 represents a 1,091.14% increase.
He also hinted that between December 20th, 2024 to January 31st, 2025, the command intercepted and seized smuggled goods with a duty paid value ₦202,784,000.00k. (Two hundred and two million, Seven hundred and eighty-four thousand naira only). The contraband goods are detrimental to Nigeria’s economy and national security.
The controller emphasized that as the command carried out these anti-smuggling operations, it also remained focused on protecting the interests of local manufacturers and industries. These efforts ensured that cheaper, substandard, and harmful goods were kept out of markets, thereby giving local producers an opportunity to thrive and ensuring the health and safety of the citizenry.
Furthermore, he said that the command took significant steps to engage with local communities, raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on national development. “Through these outreach programs, we were able to foster stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the general public, which is crucial for achieving long-term success in the suppression of smuggling within the Command’s Area of Responsibility,” he stated.
Oramalugo who announced his redeployment to another command, sincerely appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support to the command.
He also sincerely thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs BA Adeniyi MFR, and the entire management team for their unwavering support.
He didn’t fail to express his heartfelt appreciation to the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Command for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service.
The controller noted the collaborative efforts between the command and sister security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, DSS, Airforce and the police, which he said cannot be discounted, as it contributed to numerous successful operations and ensuring that the borders are not exploited by persons with nefarious intentions.
Finally, he thanked the business community as well as patriotic Nigerians for their collaboration which helped him to succeed and also the media for their role in disseminating information, raising awareness, and keeping the public informed of the command’s efforts.