The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported a series of significant achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations, overcoming economic challenges to strengthen the region’s economic stability and border security.
This announcement was made by Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller, at a media briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.
Record-Breaking Revenue Collection
During the third quarter of 2024, the Oyo/Osun Area Command generated ₦23.97 billion, a 27.5% increase from the same period last year.
Dr. Oramalugo highlighted that the Command’s cumulative revenue from January to September 2024 reached ₦56.66 billion, marking a 7.85% rise compared to the same period in 2023.
The revenue boost was attributed to several factors:
– Streamlined Customs Procedures: Improved use of technology, particularly the NICIS II platform, allowed the Command to enhance process efficiency, enforce transparency, and drive compliance.
Excise Duty Collections: Revenue from excise duties, primarily from legitimate production activities within the area, formed a substantial portion of the Command’s earnings.
Dr. Oramalugo praised the Command’s officers for their resilience, noting that these revenue gains are a testament to their dedication in enforcing customs regulations and supporting legitimate trade.
Intense Anti-Smuggling Efforts
In addition to revenue collection, the Command has made remarkable strides in combating smuggling activities.
Between August 30 and October 29, 2024, the Command seized contraband goods valued at ₦755.9 million.
Among these items were 433 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 61 bales of secondhand clothing, 93 used tyres, and nearly 750 kilograms of cannabis sativa.
Key Anti-Smuggling Strategies:
1. Enhanced Border Patrols:Â Strengthened patrols along the Oyo and Osun borders led to 31 interceptions of smuggled goods.
2. Intelligence-Driven Operations: The Command’s robust intelligence network, strengthened through collaboration with local communities, facilitated accurate targeting of smuggling operations.
3. Community Engagement: Through public sensitization initiatives, local communities have become more engaged in supporting anti-smuggling efforts, leading to increased cooperation and reduced illicit activities.
In line with the Nigeria Customs Service’s policy of collaboration, the Command is set to transfer counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs worth ₦596.8 million to NAFDAC, alongside 49 sacks of cannabis with a Duty Paid Value of ₦46.9 million to NDLEA.
Recognition and Call for Public Support
Dr. Oramalugo expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for their support. He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, security agencies, and community stakeholders.
In closing, he appealed to the public for continued cooperation with the Customs Service, urging citizens to report smuggling activities and support the Command’s mission to safeguard the economy and enhance national security.
