The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over fake pharmaceutical drugs with a duty paid value of ₦596,856,500 to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa with a duty paid value of ₦46,935,000 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The seizures were made between August 30 and September 29 this year.
This was disclosed by the area controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Ben Oramalugo at a press conference in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Dr. Oramalugo said despite pressing obvious challenges, the Command has remained focused on its twin mandate of revenue generation for the government and curbing the menace of smuggling and other illicit activities that undermine the economy.
On revenue generation, he said the Command has intensified its efforts in ensuring that every kobo due to the government is collected in accordance with the law.
He announce that for the third quarter of 2024 the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated a total revenue of ₦23,974,543,014, reflecting a 27.5% increase over the sum of ₦17,377,387,591 generated in the corresponding period of 2023, underscoring the Command’s commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring.
According to Dr. Oramalugo, cumulatively, for the period covering January to September 2024 the Command has generated ₦56,656,828,685, reflecting a 7.85% increase compared to the ₦52,206,458,966 generated in the corresponding period of January to September 2023.
He attributed the significant success recorded in revenue collection to the enhanced use of technology, which has allowed the command to streamline its processes and increase transparency.
He also said the bulk of the revenue came from legitimate production activities by excise factories within the Commands Area of responsibility as its officers ensured thorough documentation checks to avoid any revenue leakages.
Dr. Oramalugo said that in addition to revenue collection, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has prioritized its anti-smuggling operations, particularly now when illicit trade poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens and the economy at large.
He said during the period, they significantly disrupted smuggling operations, with 31 successful interceptions of goods being smuggled through illegal routes.
He announced that the command has deepened its collaboration with local communities and other security agencies, leading to more effective operations.
“We have initiated several community sensitization programs through respective Patrol/Outstation Heads to educate members of the public about the dangers of smuggling and the benefits of supporting legal trade. This approach has not only reduced smuggling incidents but has also fostered greater cooperation between residents and the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service”, he said.
On the whole for the period, the Command successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods with a duty paid value of ₦755,896,700.
