ZAINAB JUNAID
The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has wrapped up first quarter of year 2025 with remarkable achievements in excise, Free Trade Zones, Bonded Terminals and fight against illegal operations of unauthorized factories.
The Command, under the leadership of Customs Area Controller, CAC Bisi Alade, recorded about forty percent increase in revenue as against the figure generated in the first quarter of year 2024.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Dauda Adamu, a total sum of Fifteen billion, One hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and twenty-seven thousand, five hundred and three Naira, eighty-two kobo 15,191,227,503.82 was raked in between January and April 2025.
“The figure represents a 40% increase compared to the Nine billion, one hundred and sixty-five million, seven hundred and seventeen thousand, one hundred and sixty-two naira and ninety-nine kobo 9,165,717,162.99kb recorded in the corresponding period of 2024,” the statement reads.
Speaking on the landmark achievement at a briefing held in the Command, Customs Area Controller Bisi Alade attributed the milestone to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of his Officers and Men, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the Command exceed it’s revenue targets.
“It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our dear nation,” he said.
Comptroller Bisi further revealed that the Command has uncovered another unauthorized factory that was operating illegally, evading excise control.
This significant discovery underscores the Command’s commitment to enforcing tax compliance and protecting the nation’s revenue. The factory has now been brought under excise control, ensuring that it operates within the ambit of the law and contributes to the nation’s revenue.
“In addition to the Fifteen billion, one hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and twenty-seven thousand, five hundred and three naira, eighty-two kobo (15,191,227,503.82 kb) which the Command generated in the period under review, the Command also discovered another unauthorized factory that was operating illegally, and the Command brought it under excise control,” he said.
The Command also attributed the success recorded to several strategic initiatives implemented by the Customs Area Controller in recent months, including: Enhancing the Command Monitoring Unit operations; Improved intelligence gathering; Strengthening stakeholders’ engagement; Cooperate social responsibility (CSR).
“This aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of our Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR’s principles of Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. His visionary leadership and enabling support are crucial in enhancing our capabilities and driving these impressive results”.
Comptroller Alade further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment and determination to surpass this feat in the coming months with improved compliance of the trading community, partners at Free Trade Zones and the bonded terminal within the command’s area of responsivity (AoR).
“We will continue to dialogue and educate the stakeholders and the local business community. We shall maintain success through synergy with other partners while discharging our statutory responsibilities of enforcing compliance with government fiscal policy.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the officers and men of Ogun II Area Command for your hard work, dedication, and professionalism. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and our achievements reflect excellence.
“We shall continue to appreciate the enormous support of the CGC and his management team in enhancing our activities in Ogun state. We equally appreciate the continuous synergy and collaboration enjoyed with our esteemed sister agencies,” he concluded.
