Hands Over 546 wraps and 33 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA
…Generates N6.3 Billion in May 2024
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command has maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within it’s jurisdiction as it reported seizing prohibited items worth One Hundred and Twenty nine Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, One Hundred Naira only (N129, 854,100.00) only, even as it handed over 546 wraps and 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa to a Sister Agency,. Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters in Ibadan on Thursday June 13, 2024 to showcase anti smuggling and other related activities of the Command from Wednesday 17th April, 2024, to Thursday 13th June, 2024.
Comptroller Oramalugo revealed that amidst economic hardship that often exacerbate smuggling tendencies, Officers of the Command remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and has successfully intercepted 504 wraps of Cannabis Sativa(weighing 391.9kg)worth N15,814,600.00; 600 Bags(50kg) of foreign parboiled rice which is equivalent to one trailer load of Rice valued at N50,280,000.00; 274(25litres kegs) of Petroleum Motor Spirit(PMS) totalling 6,850litres valued at N5,521,500.00; 123 pieces of used tyres worth N15,648,000.00; one used Mercedes Truck valued at 30,000,000.00 and used Nissan Caravan worth N12,590,000.
He equally disclosed that the Command has handed over the 546 wraps and another 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦21,128,260:00k (Twenty-One Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira) to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi, of interagency collaboration.
“In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received prior to this press briefing to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature,” he added.
On revenue generated for the month of May 2024, Dr Oramalugo noted that the Command demonstrated much resilience and has successfully generated the sum of ₦6,335,842,600.28k (Six Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira).
“Cumulatively, when added to the revenue generated for the months of January to April 2024, the sum of ₦30,664,247,939.15k (Thirty Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Nine Naira; Fifteen Kobo); has been generated as revenue for the period of January to May 2024. This represents a 5.2 % increase, when compared to the sum of ₦29,154,853,722.73k (Twenty-Nine Billion, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy- Three Kobo); generated during the same period of the year 2023. The increase is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of our Officers in ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
“However, I will like to point out that the command still has a herculean task ahead, as the command’s revenue target is set at ₦141,682,012,396.84 (One Hundred and Forty-One Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Eighty-Four Kobo),” he added.
The Command’s Helmsman further emphasized on how efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility (AoR) on the importance of adhering to customs regulations have paid off and have yielded positively as there was significant reduction in under-declarations, contributing to the overall increase in revenue. “The introduction of advanced technology solutions, such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernization Project, has streamlined our processes and enhanced transparency, further boosting our revenue collection capabilities,” he said.
Similarly, he expressed the Command’s profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi and his Management Team for the support rendered to the Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.
He equally commended the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Officers and Men of the Command in achieving commendable results during the period under review in the year 2024 saying their commitment to duty and professionalism amidst challenging circumstances is truly commendable.
“As we navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape, all stakeholders can be rest assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act. We will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our operations remain effective in the face of evolving challenges,” he concluded.
