Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command Rakes in Over N18 Billion Revenue in Three Months, Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Efforts
The Customs Area Controller of the OYO/OSUN Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, has announced significant milestones achieved by the Command between June 14th and August 29th, 2024.
The briefing, which highlighted both revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities, underscored the Command’s commitment to fulfilling its mandates amidst economic challenges.
Dr. Oramalugo expressed his satisfaction with the Command’s revenue collection, noting that despite prevailing economic difficulties, the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated a total of N18,078,967,686.49 between June and August 23rd, 2024.
This sum included N13.31 billion collected between June and July, and N4.76 billion from August 1st to August 23rd.
When added to the earlier collection of N30.66 billion from January to May 2024, the Command’s total revenue for the year reached N48,743,215,625.64, reflecting a 2.74% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The Controller attributed this success to enhanced monitoring and enforcement measures, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders.
“These factors have helped to improve monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, maintain proper engagement with stakeholders, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance our ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages,” Dr. Oramalugo stated.
In the fight against smuggling, the Oyo/Osun Area Command recorded notable successes, seizing various contraband goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N713,150,400.00.
The seized items included 753 kegs and 94 drums of Premium Motor Spirit (40,915 litres), 2,448 wraps and 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa (2,020 kg), 2,183 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 2,667 pieces of used tyres, and several vehicles, among other items.
The Controller emphasised the significance of these seizures, highlighting the Command’s proactive measures and the dedication of its officers.
“These seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability.
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,” he said.
In a spirit of interagency collaboration, Dr. Oramalugo announced that the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi had approved the handover of the seized Cannabis Sativa, valued at N148,932,000.00, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command.
Additionally, the seized Petroleum Motor Spirit, due to its inflammable nature, had been auctioned, generating a DPV of N27,894,900.00.
Dr. Oramalugo concluded the briefing by reaffirming the Command’s dedication to upholding professionalism, integrity, and service.
He highlighted the Command’s plans to continue leveraging technology and innovative practices in line with the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 to enhance operations further.
The Area Controller also extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, traditional rulers, sister security agencies, and other stakeholders for their continued support.
“Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act,” he concluded.
