ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Ibadan, has raked in a total revenue of ₦23,974,543,014.49 (Twenty-Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, and Fourteen Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo) for the third quarter of year 2024 amid current economic conditions.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo disclosed this at a press briefing held on Wednesday, 30 October 2024, saying the collection reflects a 27.5% increase over the sum of ₦17,377,387,591.90 (Seventeen Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-One Naira, Ninety Kobo) generated in the corresponding period of 2023.
According to him, the Command has generated the sum of ₦56,656,828,685.30 (Fifty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Niara, Thirty Kobo) for the period covering January to September 2024, which also reflects a 7.85% increase when compared to the sum of ₦52,206,458,966.50 (Fifty-Two Billion, Two Hundred and Six Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six Niara, Fifty Kobo) generated in the corresponding period of January to September 2023.
The Area Controller attributed the revenue feats to continuous resilience and dedication of Command officers in ensuring strict compliance with customs laws and regulations while facilitating legitimate trade and use of technology.
“We recognized the pivotal role we play in the nation’s economic recovery and we are committed to continuing this upward trajectory in revenue generation.
“On Streamlined Procedures: The Command’s enhanced use of technology, especially the NICIS II has allowed us to streamline our processes and increase transparency. This has also led to improved compliance from the Commands stakeholders; Revenue from Excise Duty: The bulk of this revenue came from legitimate production activities by excise factories within the Commands Area of Responsibility and Command officers have ensured thorough documentation checks to avoid any revenue leakages,” he stated.
Speaking further, Comptroller Ben revealed that the Command officers successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦755,896,700.00 Seven Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira Only for the period August 30th, 2024 to October 29th, 2024.
He listed the seized items to include -433 (50Kg) Bags Foreign Parboiled Rice; 61 Bales and 10 Sacks Second Hand Clothes; 93 Pieces Used Tyres; 49 Sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 744.9kg; 25 Litre Kegs of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 8,850 Litres; Fake Pharmaceuticals- Analgin Injection (46 Cartons); Amoxicillin Capsule 500mg (68 Sacks); Buscomac Tablet 10mg (3 Cartons); Juscopan tablets (6 Sacks); Chloramphenicol Tablet Bp 250mg (5 Sacks); Ampiclox Capsules 500mg (11 Sacks); Arthromether Tablets (10 Sacks); Fulcin Tablets 500mg (2 Sack); Pentazocine Injection 30mg (13 packets) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦755,896,700.00
“I would like to point out that these operations not only safeguard our economy but also protect our 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, including the facilitation of legitimate trade, which contributes directly to economic growth, and sustaining the integrity of our anti-smuggling operations. 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, build capacity of her officers, so they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confront emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency and continue public sensitization campaigns to ensure that we achieve our goals.
“I would like to inform the Gentlemen of the press, that in accordance with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR of Consolidation, Collaboration and innovation; the Command would be handing over today fake pharmaceutical drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦596,856,500.00k (Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only) to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of (₦46,935,000.00k) Forty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand Naira Only to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“I would like to use this medium as always to express the Command’s profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR and his Management Team for the support that they have continually extended to the Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.
“I would also like to extend my profound gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service, all officers of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their tireless dedication to duty and other Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in making these achievements possible. Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate,” he concluded.
