The Oyo and Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), at the weekend, disclosed that enhanced monitoring and enforcement, as well as robust collaboration with all stakeholders and effective deployment of technology are responsible for the successes recorded at the Command.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, stated this at a media briefing on its performance and milestones at the operational headquarters of the Oyo/Osun Area Command in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday, August 30, 2024.
Oramalugo, who commended the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the NCS Management Team for the support they have continually extended to the Command, said their constant encouragement ensured achievement of the Service’s core mandate in Oyo and Osun states.
Presenting details of the revenue generation profile from June to July 2024, he said in spite of the prevailing economic challenges that played a major role in the decision making of various stakeholders operating within the Command’s area of coverage, the Oyo/Osun Area Command achieved remarkable success in its revenue collection.
“For June and July 2024, the Command collected ₦13.311 billion and ₦4.767 billion from August 1 to August 23, 2024 amounting to ₦18.07 billion for the period.
“Cumulatively, when added to the ₦30.664 billion generated between January and May 2024, the Command collected ₦48.743 billion translating to a 2.74 percent increase compared to the ₦47.408 billion collected from January to August 2023.
“The improved revenue performance can be attributed to several factors including enhanced monitoring and enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders and technological advancements. These factors 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,” he stated.
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On anti-smuggling activities, he explained that the Command intensified its efforts in combating smuggling within its area of jurisdiction, adding that from June 14 to August 29, 2024 officers and men of the Command intercepted and seized various contraband goods.
These include753 kegs and 94 drums (40,915 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) or petrol with a duty paid value (DPV) of N27.894 million; 2448 wraps and 11 sachets (2,020kg) of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) with DPV of N148.9 million; 2,183 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N192.1 million and 2,667 used tyres with a DPV of N254.8 million.
Others are 24 Bales of Used Clothing worth N17.2 million; one used Mazda 626 car with DPV of N3.6million; one used Pick-Up Truck worth N7.7 million; one (10- tyres) used DAF Truck worth N30.8million and one (six-tyres) used DAF Truck worth N30 million all with a total DPV of N713.150 million.
Oramalugo said in spirit of interagency collaboration, the CGC Adeniyi approved that the Command should hand over the 2,448 wraps and another 11 sachets of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦149 million to the Oyo State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“Approval was also received to auction the 40,915 litres of petrol with a DPV of ₦27.894 million due to its combustible nature and the product has been auctioned during the period covering June 14 to August 29, 2024.
“Going forward, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in all our operations. We will continue to leverage technology and innovative practices in line with the new NCS Act 2023 to further enhance our operations and deliver on our mandate,” he stated.
He commended Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers in Oyo and Osun states, sister security agencies, Customs units and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration, adding: “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.”
