The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated a total sum of ₦18,169,659,402.67 (Eighteen Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Two Naira, Sixty-Seven Kobo) as income for the first quarter of the year 2024.
The command also intercepted goods worth over two billion naira during the period.
The Area Controller of the command, Dr Ben Oramalugo made this disclosure during a media press briefing on Wednesday.
The controller said apart from the sum of ₦12,496,043,684.11 (Twelve Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, and Forty-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo) already collected for the period of January to February 2024, the Command also collected the sum of ₦5,673,615,718.56 (Five Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Three Million, Six Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighteen Naira, Fifty-Six Kobo) into the coffers of the Federal Government for the month of March 2024.
Speaking on anti-smuggling activities, Dr. Oramalugo hinted that the Area Command has recorded significant successes in intercepting smuggled goods during the period under review.
His words: “Through targeted intelligence-led operations, collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, enhanced border surveillance and the utilization of advanced technology we have seized various contraband items including narcotics (Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol Tablets), Foreign Parboiled Rice, Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), Second Hand Clothing and Used Tyres.
“These interceptions underscore our commitment to thwarted attempts to smuggle prohibited items into our communities thereby upholding the integrity of our borders, safeguarding public health and safeguarding the interests of our nation.
He noted that for the period of March 1st to April 16th 2024 the Command has intercepted various contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,181,860,440:00 (Two Billion, One Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Forty Naira Only).
According to the controller, this shows an increase of ₦2,098,515,640:00 (Two Billion, and Ninety-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Naira) when compared to the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦83,344,800:00 (Eighty-Three Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) recorded during the first quarter of 2023.
“Despite the constraints imposed by the prevailing economic conditions, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its commitment to duty and service.
“I would like to use this medium to express our gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team, for initiating various strategies that have enhanced the performance of the Command and have contributed to achieving the core mandate of the Service within Oyo and Osun States.
The controller posited that he recognizes the vital role that trade facilitation and revenue generation play in driving economic progress, and as such the command is fully committed to fulfilling its mandate with integrity and professionalism.