The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated a cumulative sum of ₦56,656,828,685.30 billion for the period covering January to September, 2024.
Within the period, the Command generated a total revenue of ₦23,974,543,014.49 billion in the third quarter of the same year.
Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Command, Ben Oramalugo, Ph.D, made the disclosures at a media briefing held at the operational headquarters of the Command, Ibadan, on Wednesday.
He said the ₦56,656,828,685.30 billion generated from January to September, 2024 reflected a 7.85 per cent increase when compared to the sum of ₦52,206,458,966.50 billion generated in the corresponding period of January to September, 2023.
Dr Oramalugo, also added the ₦23,974,543,014.49 billion generated in the third quarter of 2024 year reflected a 27.5 per cent increase over the sum of ₦17,377,387,591.90 billion generated in the corresponding period of 2023.
The Customs Area Controller said the Command has intensified its efforts in ensuring that every kobo due to the government is collected in accordance with the law, in face of the current economic conditions.
This, he said, underscored the Command’s commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement and monitoring.
“This period has been critical for our nation, as we are all acutely aware of the economic challenges facing our country today.
“Rising inflation, high cost of living, and other financial hardships has impacted all citizens, making it essential for us to perform our duties with greater responsibility and commitment to sustaining national stability.
“Despite these challenges, the Oyo/Osun Area 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.
“It is my privilege to update you on the key milestones the Area Command has achieved in revenue generation for the third quarter of the year and anti-smuggling activities from August 30, 2024 to October 29, 2024.
Revenue Generation Milestones
The CAC, Oyo/Osun Command said the significant success recorded in revenue collection was a remarkable achievement despite the current financial strains affecting businesses and citizens alike.
He attributed the success to the Command’s enhanced use of technology, especially the NICIS II. He added: “This has allowed us to streamline our processes and increase transparency. This has also led to improved compliance from the Commands stakeholders.
He said the bulk of the revenue came from legitimate production activities by excise factories within the Command’s area of responsibility. Oramalugo added that officers of the Command have ensured thorough documentation checks to avoid any revenue leakages.
“I would like to state that the revenue generated reflects the resilience and dedication of Command officers in ensuring strict compliance with customs laws and regulations while facilitating legitimate trade.
“We recognise the pivotal role we play in the nation’s economic recovery and we are committed to continuing this upward trajectory in revenue generation,” he said.
Anti-smuggling operations
CAC Oramalugo disclosed that the Oyo/Osun Area Command, in addition to revenue collection, has prioritised its anti-smuggling operations.
He said this “is particularly during these challenging times when illicit trade poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens and the economy at large.”
In a bid to achieve set objectives, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intensified its efforts in combating smuggling activities within our jurisdiction.
He said this would be done through curbing illegal cross-border activities, noting that the Command’s intensified border patrols along the Oyo/Osun axis has significantly disrupted smuggling operations.
He pointed to the 31 successful interceptions of goods being smuggled through illegal routes as a fallout of the intensified border patrols.
Oramalugo also attributed the success of the Command’s anti-smuggling operations largely to the increased use of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local communities.
“We have strengthened our network of informants, which has been instrumental in identifying and neutralising smuggling operations within the region,” he added.
In the area of public engagement and collaboration, CAC Oramalugo said the Oyo/Osun Area Command has deepened its collaboration with local communities and other security agencies, leading to more effective operations.
“We have initiated several community sensitisation 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 disclosed that Command officers successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦755,896,700.00 million from August 30 to October 29, 2024.
The seized contrabands he listed to include: 433 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice- ₦41,568,000.00; 61 baked and 10 sacks of second hand clothes-₦54,600,000.00; 93 pieces of used tyres-₦8,928,000.00;
49 sacks of cannabis sativa (weighing 744.9kg)-₦46,935,000.00; 25 litre kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) totalling 8,850 litres- ₦7,009,200.00
Fake pharmaceuticals, including 46 cartons of Analgin Injection; 68 sacks of Amoxicillin Capsule 500mg; three cartons of Buscomac Tablet 10mg; six sacks of Juscopan tablets; five sacks of Chloramphenicol Tablet Bp 250mg; 11 sacks of Ampiclox Capsules 500mg; 10 sacks of Arthromether Tablets; two sacks of Fulcin Tablets 500mg and 13 packets of Pentazocine Injection 30mg.
He put the value of the seized fake pharmaceuticals at ₦5,796,000.00, ₦431,250,000.00, ₦1,428,000.00, ₦35,700,000.00, ₦25,500,000.00, ₦70,125,000.00, ₦25,200,000.00, ₦1,500,000.00, ₦357,500.00, respectively, totalling ₦755,896,700.00.
The Oyo/Osun Area controller pointee out that the operations are not only safeguarding the economy but also protecting local industries and create an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive.
“We understand the ripple effects of smuggling on the economy and the need to protect the interests of law-abiding citizens, especially in these trying times.
“As we navigate the prevailing economic hardships, we are more determined than ever to maintain our role as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic stability.
“Our duty is to ensure that the country’s borders are secure from illegal trade and that all revenue due to the government is collected efficiently.
“In a bid to sustain and improve on these successes, the Command remains committed to improving our performance in all areas.
“These include the facilitation of legitimate trade, which contributes directly to economic growth, and sustaining the integrity of our anti-smuggling operations,” he added.
Oramalugo also assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the local communities, security agencies and traders, leverage on the use of modern technology.
He said it will build capacity of its officers, so they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confront emerging threats and maximise operational efficiency and continue public sensitisation campaigns to ensure that the Command achieve its goals.
Oramalugo announced the handing over of the fake pharmaceuticals drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of₦596,856,500.00 million and 49 sacks of cannabis sativa with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦46,935,000.00 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He said the handing over was in accordance with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi on consolidation, collaboration and innovation.
Oramalugo expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi his Management Team for the support that they have continually extended to the Oyo/Osun Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun states.
He also thanked the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers Oyo and Osun states, security agencies, units of the Customs Service and officers of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their tireless dedication to duty and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.
He urged the public to continue supporting the Command’s efforts by providing timely information and cooperating with the Command to combat the challenges posed by smugglers and economic saboteurs.
“Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate.
“Together, we will continue to safeguard our borders, boost revenue generation and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria,” Oramalugo added.
