.Generates N82.1bn in 2024, rakes in N7.8bn in January 2025
.Handover to Compt. J O Adelaja
ZAINAB JUNAID
The outgoing Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, has recounted his achievements before handing over mantle of leadership to Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja and proceeding to Seme Command.
During a press briefing held at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, Comptroller Oramalugo revealed that the Command made significant strides including generating the sum of ₦82,193,426,334.10k (Eighty-Two billion, One hundred and ninety-three million, Four hundred and twenty-six thousand, Three hundred Thirty-Four-naira, Ten kobo) in 2024 into government coffers.
A figure that is 15.3% higher than the amount ₦71,292,530,398.17k (Seventy-One billion, Two hundred and ninety-two million, Five hundred and thirty thousand, Three hundred- and Ninety-Eight-naira, seventeen kobo) collected in fiscal year 2023.
He also informed that the Command has successfully raked in ₦7,804,408,776.88k (Seven billion, Eight hundred and four million, Four hundred and eight thousand, Seven hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo) in January 2025.
This figure according to him signifies a 10.1% and 14.3% increase when compared to the sums of ₦7,088,191,138:30k (Seven billion, Eighty-eight million, One hundred and ninety-one thousand, One hundred and thirty-eight naira, thirty kobo) and ₦6,824,954,338:96k (Six billion, Eight hundred and Twenty-four million, Nine hundred and fifty-four thousand, Three hundred- and thirty-eight-naira, ninety-six kobo) collected for the same period under review in the year 2023 and 2024 respectively.
The Area Controller attributed the unprecedented revenue generated to successful implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at increasing compliance and streamlining the Command’s procedures.
“The Command was able to reduce delays, boost efficiency, and facilitate trade while collecting proper duties by utilizing technology such as the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and taking a proactive approach in addressing legitimate traders’ problems,” he said.
Dr. Oramalugo showcasing fresh Seizures made to Journalists on Wednesday, 5, February 2025.
Speaking on the Command’s scorecard for anti-smuggling efforts in 2024, the Area Controller disclosed that illicit items valued at ₦5,377,759,260.00k (Five billion, three hundred and seventy-seven million, seven hundred and fifty-nine thousand, two hundred and sixty naira only) were intercepted, adding that the value represents a 1,091.14% increase from the seizures made in 2023 which stood at ₦451,479,759.00k (Four hundred and fifty-one million, four hundred and seventy-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine naira only).
“Furthermore, between 20 December 2024 and 31 January 2025, the Command intercepted and seized smuggled goods worth a duty paid value of Two hundred and two million, Seven hundred and eighty-four thousand naira only (₦202,784,000.00k) including 170 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) – ₦14.96 million; 1,667 pieces of used tyres – ₦160.03 million; 32 bales and 4 sacks of used clothes – ₦23.04 million and ₦2.88 million respectively; 2 sacks of used shoes – ₦1.08 million; and 40 kegs (25 liters each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – ₦792,000,” he added.
However, as Dr. Oramalugo oversaw various activities, such as combating smuggling and improving revenue collection, he is recognized for his refined approach to customs work and has spoken publicly about the challenges faced by the Command.
His leadership style focused on building on his predecessors’ successes while introducing new strategies to improve performance.
Dr. Ben is committed to sustaining the tempo in combating smuggling activities and improving revenue collection and as he moves to Seme Command, the Area Controller is likely to bring his expertise and experience to bear on his new role, driving growth and improvement in the Customs Service.
