ZAINAB JUNAID
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday 3 June 2025 said it raked in the sum of twenty five billion, seven hundred and Seventy Seven million, three hundred and Seventy nine thousand, three hundred and twenty eight naira, seventeen Kobo (₦25,777,379,328.17) as revenue between March and May 2025, representing a significant increase of 36.67 percent, compared to the same period in 2024, when the Command collected ₦18,168,204,255.04.
Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja made this known at a briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, attributing the feats to the Command’s dedication to effective enforcement of Customs laws and improved trade measures.
He noted that the implementation of modern trade facilitation tools has also enhanced compliance among excise stakeholders, reducing revenue leakages.
Comptroller Adelaja revealed that the Command has implemented anti-smuggling strategies, aimed at ensuring the safety of individuals, facilitating legitimate trade, and securing local industries.
According to him, the Command’s anti-smuggling activities have led to the interception of a significant number of prohibited items with a Duty Paid Value of ₦335,648,500 in May 2025.
“The seized items include 1,698 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 130 kegs of premium motor spirit, and 226 pieces of used tyres.Other seized items include 67 sacks and 37 bales of used clothes, 4 sacks of used shoes, 68 wraps of cannabis sativa, and several cartons of fake pharmaceuticals.
“Two vehicles: a used Mazda bus and a used Toyota Sienna, were also seized,” he stated.
Comptroller Adelaja emphasized that these seizures highlighted the Command’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economy and ensuring adherence to fiscal and trade policies.
To him, smuggling activities poses a severe threat to public health, local industries, and government revenue.
“The Command has been approved to hand over the seized cannabis sativa to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the counterfeit pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation,” he said.
Comptroller Adelaja expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, and traditional rulers for their continued support.
He also commended the dedicated Officers and Men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their steadfast commitment.
As the festive season approaches, Comptroller Adelaja urged the public to provide credible intelligence, comply with trade laws, and reject economic sabotage.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to upholding the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery, extending best wishes for a prosperous Eid celebration to all Stakeholders.
The Command’s achievements has demonstrated its dedication to promoting economic growth and development in Nigeria in line with the Comptroller General’s policy direction.
