Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command Records Landmark Achievements in Revenue, Anti-Smuggling
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded remarkable achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, according to its outgoing Customs Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, PhD, Cert Harvard, FCIA, FNIM.
Speaking at the Command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan during his final press briefing before redeployment, Dr Oramalugo reflected on the milestones achieved under his leadership over the past one year and four months.
Highlighting the financial success of the Command, Dr Oramalugo announced that the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated a record-breaking N82,193,426,334.10 in revenue in 2024, marking a 15.3% increase from the N71,292,530,398.17 collected in 2023.
He noted that despite economic challenges, this revenue figure is the highest in the Command’s history.
For January 2025 alone, the Command generated N7,804,408,776.88, reflecting a 10.1% increase compared to the N7,088,191,138.30 collected in January 2023 and a 14.3% increase from the N6,824,954,338.96 collected in January 2024.
Dr Oramalugo attributed this success to strategic enforcement measures, improved compliance, and the adoption of technology, particularly the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), which streamlined processes and facilitated trade efficiency.
The Customs boss also detailed the Command’s extensive anti-smuggling operations, revealing that in 2024 alone, the Command intercepted uncustomed goods worth a duty-paid value (DPV) of N5,377,759,260.00.
This figure represents a 1,091.14% increase from the N451,479,759.00 recorded in 2023.
Between 20 December 2024 and 31 January 2025, the Command seized smuggled goods valued at N202,784,000.00, including:
170 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg) – N14,960,000.00
1,667 pieces of used tyres – N160,032,000.00
32 bales and 4 sacks of used clothes – N23,040,000.00 and N2,880,000.00 respectively
2 sacks of used shoes – N1,080,000.00
40 kegs (25 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – N792,000.00
Dr Oramalugo emphasised that these efforts were not just about revenue recovery but also aimed at protecting local industries, preventing the infiltration of substandard goods, and ensuring national security.
Beyond enforcement, the Command actively engaged with local communities to create awareness about the dangers of smuggling and its impact on the economy.
These outreach initiatives fostered stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the public, enhancing intelligence-sharing and voluntary compliance.
Dr Oramalugo also acknowledged the vital role of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Air Force, and the Police, in supporting the Command’s operations and ensuring border security.
As he prepares for his next assignment, Dr Oramalugo expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support, as well as to the Comptroller-General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, MFR, and the management team for their guidance. He also commended the officers and men of the Command for their professionalism and dedication, recognising their collective efforts in achieving the Command’s historic milestones.
In his final words, Dr Oramalugo thanked the business community, patriotic Nigerians, and the media for their cooperation and commitment to promoting transparency and public awareness regarding the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Your support has been instrumental in our success, and I urge you to continue fostering compliance, integrity, and excellence in all engagements with the Nigeria Customs Service,” he concluded.
With his tenure marking a period of remarkable achievements in both revenue collection and border security, Dr Oramalugo leaves the Oyo/Osun Area Command with an impressive legacy as he moves on to his next posting.
