.Makes massive seizures worth N370M
.Hands Over seized pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC
ZAINAB JUNAID
Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has celebrated 2024 yuletide with quantum leap in both revenue and anti-smuggling activities, raked in a total figure of₦72,568,409,802.02 (Seventy-Two Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Two Naira, Two Kobo) into government coffers for the period covering January to November 2024.
This represents a significant increase of 13.17% when compared to the sum of ₦64,118,678,267.69 (Sixty-Four Billion, One Hundred and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira, Sixty-Nine Kobo) collected in the same period of 2023.
Speaking at a briefing held in the Command on Friday, 20 December 2024, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo PhD disclosed this saying the achievement is a testament to the diligence of Officers and Men of the Command, enhanced enforcement of customs laws and improved trade facilitation measures.
He informed that the Command raked in the sum of ₦15,911,581,116.72 (Fifteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Eleven Million, Five Hundred and Eighty-One Thousand, One Hundred and Sixteen Naira Seventy-Two Kobo) for the months of October and November 2024 alone, representing a significant increase of 33.57% when compared to the sum of ₦11,912,219,301.19 (Eleven Billion, Nine Hundred and Twelve Million, Two Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Three Hundred and One Naira Nineteen Kobo) collected in the same period of 2023.
Dr Oramalugo showcasing seizures made recently on Friday 20 December 2024
To him, the achievements underscored the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives of citizens, protecting local industries, ensuring compliance with customs laws and supporting Nigeria’s economic stability.
“It is also worthy to note that by adopting modern trade facilitation tools and promoting transparency, the Command has strengthened compliance among excise stakeholders, ensuring that revenue leakages are effectively curtailed, as the revenue collected contributes significantly to national development and supports the Federal Government’s economic agenda,” he stated.
On anti-smuggling operations, Dr Oramalugo posited that the Command has intensified its efforts in Safeguarding Lives and Protecting Local Industries, adding as the festive season approaches, it would leave no stone unturned to safeguarding lives of citizens, facilitating legitimate trade, securing local industries and ensuring compliance with laws.
He informed that the measures put in place has led to significant seizures of prohibited items worth a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦370,772,600:00 (Three Hundred and Seventy Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira) between 30th October and 19th December 2024.
The seized items according to him include- Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice 110 (50Kg) Bags;Packs of foreign Macaroni 4000 packs ; Premium Motor Spirit 377 (25 litre kegs)(Totaling: 9425 litres); Second Hand Clothing 111 Bales; Used Tyres 348 Pieces; Banned and Unlicensed Pharmaceuticals Chloroquine Injection: 50 Cartons;Motor Vehicle(Means of Conveyance), 1 DAF Truck,1 Canter.
He equally noted that the seized Pharmaceuticals have been handed over to the National Agency For Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation, in accordance with the policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration and innovation of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
“The dangers posed by these smuggling activities cannot be overstated, as they not only compromise public health but also stifle the growth of local industries and deprive the government of much-needed revenue for infrastructure and development projects.
“These seizures were carried out in strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET). The legal provisions enshrined in these books of authority guide our activities, reinforce our mandate to protect national interests, uphold the law, and maintain the integrity of our borders.
“It is important to note that the enforcement of these seizures aligns with section 245 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, which highlights the provision for the seizure, detention and condemnation of prohibited goods, as well as Schedules 3 (Import Prohibition) and Schedule 4 (Absolute Prohibition) of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) that provides a list of prohibited items,” he added.
While extending appreciation to the CGC and his management team for always supporting the Command, he said “I would also like to extend my profound gratitude 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 Nigeria Customs Service for their support, gallant officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their unwavering dedication and patriotic citizens Oyo and Osun States in ensuring the success of our operations.
“I would also like urge the general public to keep supporting the Nigeria Customs Service by providing credible intelligence, complying with trade laws and rejecting any form of economic sabotage,” he concluded.
