In a space of eight weeks, the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has set a revenue record of N18,078,967,686.49 generated in the command with intensified efforts in anti-smuggling operations which yielded the seizures of other sundry items such as Premium Motor Spirit(PMS), used Tyres, Cannabis Sativa and used clothing known as Okrika.
Briefing the media on Thursday last week, the Command’s Customs Area Controller (CAC), Compt. Ben Oramalugo,PhD explained that “for the months of June and July 2024, the Command collected a total revenue of ₦13,311,191,473.12, while the period covering August 1st to August 23rd 2024 the Command collected the sum of ₦4,767,776,213.37.
According to him, that summed up the figure to a total of ₦18,078,967,686.49 within the stretch of weeks, noting that when added to the sum of N30,664,247,939.15 generated between January and May, 2024, the total sum collected in eight months of 2024 was a total of ₦48,743,215,625.64.
This represents 2.74 percent increase when compared to the sum of ₦47,408,251,086.73 collected for the period of January to August, 2023, the CAC added.
Compt. Oramalugo attributed the improved revenue performance to enhanced monitoring and enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and technological advancements.
He further explained, “These factors have helped to improve monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, maintain proper engagement with key stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach, reduce bottlenecks and enhance our ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages.”
On anti-smuggling operations, he stated that the command intercepted and seized over the 2,448 wraps and another eleven sachets of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦148,932,000:00k which have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command on the approval of the Comptroller General of Customs(CGC), Adewale Adeniyi.
According to him, “I would like to mention that approval was also received prior to this press briefing to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to its inflammable nature. A total of 40,915 Litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value(DPV) of ₦27,894,900.00 have been auctioned during the period covering June 14th to August 29th 2024”.
Other seized items include: 2,183(50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice with a DPV of N192,104,000.00; 2,667 pieces of Used Tyres worth N254,839,500.00; 24 Bales of Used Clothing worth N17,280,000.00; One Used Mazda 626 with a DPV of N3,600,000.00; One used Pick-up Truck worth N7,700,000.00
Also seized are:One used 10 Tyres DAF Truck worth N30,800,000,00; One 6 Tyres DAF Truck valued at N30,000,000.00, making the entire DPV of the seized items to be a total of N713,150,400.00
In a chat with MMS Plus, the CAC debunked a misleading report by an online medium that that there was increase in smuggling activities within the Command’s jurisdiction and as a result some smugglers escaped the eagle eyes of the officers, saying it was a mere journalistic mischief.
He noted that the reporter has since discovered his mistakes when he called for clarification, adding that he is accessible always for official discussions and clarification to promote and facilitate trade.
Oramalugo, however, said the command was ever ready to tackle the ever-evolving tactics of smugglers as they are presently adopting various technological innovations, and strengthening their collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders and the general public to combat smuggling and protect the economy from the dangers of illicit trade.
He emphasized that “the seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability. The milestone recorded here today are as a result of strategic intelligence gathering, increased patrols, and the dedication of command officers who have demonstrated exceptional vigilance and commitment to duty. The proactive measures taken by various command anti-smuggling teams have not only prevented illegitimate trade but also protected our communities from the dangers posed by these illicit goods.
Appreciating the support of the CGC and his management team, Oramalugo extended the Command’s 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 NCS and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.
