Q3: Oyo/Osun Customs rake in N59bn revenue, intercept N51m contraband
Paul Ogbuokiri
The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a revenue collection of N11, 679, 732, 583 between September and October 2023. When added to the revenue collected for the period covering January to August 2023, the Command has collected a total sum of ₦59,087,983,670.64 in the first nine months of the year.
Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo who disclosed this on Friday in Ibadan said that the feat was made possible by the resolve of the command to continue to prioritise trade facilitation, “religiously enforce provisions of our extant laws aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, implementation of various measures to simplify customs processes, reducing bureaucracy within the system with the aim of promoting legitimate trade and foster a conducive business environment for Excise traders operating within the command’s area of responsibility.”
According to him, during the period covering September to October 2023, the command through its rigorous enforcement measures and strategic initiatives has contributed to the economic growth of the Nation by collecting the Sum of ₦11,679,732,583.91k as revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government.
Oramalugo disclosed that during the period under review, the command with the use of intelligence and continuous patrol/enforcement operations has made series of interceptions comprising of: 1,248 (50kg) bags of rice with duty paid value of N27, 456,000; 425 (25 liters) kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS); 24 bales of used clothing, N4, 320,000 and used bags, N180,000; 492 pieces of used tyres with duty paid vale of N2,952,000; 64 sacks and 150 wraps of Cannabis Sativa worth N14, 138, 460; One Dane gun worth N9,000. The total duty paid value of the seizures made in the review period is N51, 180,460.
The CAC expressed gratitude of the Comptroller General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi who in his efforts to ensure the realisation of the command’s mandate in the area of suppression of smuggling has made provisions for operational vehicles to the command “and leveraging on the inspiration and support received we hope to improve our performance subsequent months ahead”.
Comptroller Oramalugo further said that the command recognises the importance of collaboration and inter-agency cooperation of which it fosters strong partnerships with relevant Federal Government agencies, trade associations and the general public.
He added that necessary consultations and engagements have been held to address concerns, gather feedback and ensure a harmonized approach to Customs operations. In view of the aforementioned, he said that command would hand over the Cannabis Sativa to the “NDLEA today Friday 10th November 2023.Permit me to also state that the achievements showcased here today were made possible through timely sharing of credible intelligence and effective collaboration/synergy between all Units of Nigeria Customs Service resident between Oyo and Osun States. (Federal Operations Unit, Border Drill).”
Comptroller Oramalugo also lauded the collaborative efforts between the command and sister agencies such as Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, NDLEA, and Oyo State Operation Burst are all appreciated.
“Furthermore we would also like to appreciate and acknowledge the cooperation of various Traditional rulers and Community leaders who have continued to enlighten their respective communities of the ills of smuggling. He also thanked the Oyo State government for their support,” he said.