.Makes massive seizures of 40,915 litres of PMS, 2448 Wraps of Cannabis Sativa, Others worth N713.15m
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, on Friday, reported a significant increase in revenue generation for two and a half months, saying it has raked in a total of ₦18,078,967,686.49 (Eighteen Billion, and Seventy-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo) between June 14 and August 29, 2024.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters, Ibadan, expressing gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for the continued support that has impacted positively in the core mandates of the Command.
The Command has continued to witness significant surge in revenue generation and massive seizures, and is bent on truncating smugglers tactics with advance anti-smuggling techniques.
Comptroller Ben noted that the Command has successfully generated a total of N13,311,191,473.12 (Thirteen Billion, Three Hundred and Eleven Million, One Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-Three Naira, Twelve Kobo) for the months of June and July 2024 respectively. While for the period covering August 1 to 23, it raked in ₦4,767,776,213.37 (Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Thirty-Seven Kobo), making a total of ₦18,078,967,686.49 (Eighteen Billion, and Seventy-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo) for the two and a half months.
When added to the sum of ₦30,664,247,939.15 (Thirty Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Nine Naira, Fifteen Kobo) generated between January to May 2024, a total of ₦48,743,215,625.64 (Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Two Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira, Sixty-Four Kobo) was collected, the Area Controller said.
According to him, this development signifies 2.74% increase when compared to the sum of ₦47,408,251,086.73 (Forty-Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Eight Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, and Eighty-Six Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo) collected for the period of January to August 2023.
He attributed this feats to several factors including- enhanced monitoring and enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and technological advancements.
To him, these factors have 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.
Speaking further, Comptroller Ben informed that with intensified effort deployed by the Command to curb smuggling activities, Officers of the Command has successfully seized 40,915 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2448 wraps of cannabis sativa and 11 sachets weighing 2,029kg, 2183(50kg) bags of parboiled rice, 2,667 pieces of used tyres, 24 bales of used clothes,.01 used Mazda Car(626), 01 used pickup truck, 01 used DAF truck (10tyres), 01 used DAF truck (6 tyres) with a Cumulative Value of N713,150,400.00, between June 14 and August 29, 2024.
He noted that the 2448 (Two Thousand Four Hundred and Forty-Eight) wraps and another 11 (Eleven) sachets of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦148,932,000:00k (One Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand Naira) has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command accordingly likewise the PMS seized will be auctioned out.
“However, I would like to point out that in a bid to tackle the ever-evolving tactics of smugglers the Command is presently adopting various technological innovations, as well as strengthen collaboration with other security agencies, stakeholders and the general public to combat smuggling and protect our economy from the dangers of illicit trade.
“I would like to also emphasize that these seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability. The milestone recorded here today are as a result of strategic intelligence gathering, increased patrols, and the dedication of Command officers who have demonstrated exceptional vigilance and commitment to duty. 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 stated.
Dr. Ben further reiterated that Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in all our operations, saying “We would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices in line with the new NCS Act of 2023 to further enhance our operations and deliver on our mandate.
“I would like to extend my appreciation to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service and other Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration. 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.
