Unprecedented: Oyo/Osun Customs rakes in N6.bn in 1month
……Seize 600 bags of foreign rice and others
Amidst the various prevailing economic challenges facing the country, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated the sum of Six Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira (N6,335,842,600) for the month of May, 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday at the operational headquarters of Oyo/Osun Area Command in Ibadan.
He also disclosed that the command recorded significant seizures and interception of various contraband items including 504 Wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 600 (50Kg) Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice, 274 (25 Litre Kegs) of Petroleum Motor Spirit, 123 Pieces of Used Tyres, among others.
Speaking on revenue generation, Controller Oramalugo said: “Despite the economic headwinds encountered for most parts of the second quarter of 2024, I am delighted to announce that the Oyo/Osun Area Command has demonstrated much resilience and has successfully generated the sum of ₦6,335,842,600.28k (Six Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira); for the month of May 2024.
“Cumulatively, when added to the revenue generated for the months of January to April 2024, the sum of ₦30,664,247,939.15k (Thirty Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Nine Naira; Fifteen Kobo); has been generated as revenue for the period of January to May 2024. This represents a 5.2 % increase, when compared to the sum of ₦29,154,853,722.73k (Twenty-Nine Billion, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy- Three Kobo); generated during the same period of the year 2023. The increase is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of our Officers in ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
“However, I will like to point out that the command still has a herculean task ahead, as the command’s revenue target is set at ₦141,682,012,396.84 (One Hundred and Forty-One Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Eighty-Four Kobo).”
On improved compliance, he noted that the efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility (AoR) on the importance of adhering to customs regulations have paid off as there is a significant reduction in under-declarations, contributing to the overall increase in revenue.
On anti-smuggling operations, he said, “In tandem with our revenue generation efforts, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within our jurisdiction.
“Despite the economic hardships that often exacerbate smuggling tendencies, Command Officers have remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and apprehending perpetrators.
“The months of April, May and some parts of June, witnessed numerous successful operations resulting in the seizure of contraband items and for the period covering 17th April to 13th June 2024 the Command has made the following interceptions and seizures: Cannabis Sativa (504 Wraps; Weighing 391.9kg), Foreign Parboiled Rice (600 (50Kg) Bags; One Trailer Load), Petroleum Motor Spirit (274; 25 Litre Kegs), 123 Pieces of Used Tyres, 1Used Mercedes Truck, 1 Used Nissan Caravan.”
Controller Oramalugo added that the total duty paid value of all the seized items was estimated at N129,854,100.
He further said, “I will like to inform members of the public, that in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) and in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the Command has received approval to hand over the 546 wraps and another 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦21,128,260:00k (Twenty-One Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira) to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command. In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received prior to this press briefing to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature.
“I will like to reassure all stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility (AoR), that we recognize the grave implications of smuggling on national security, economic stability, public health and we remain resolute in our determination to combat this menace.
“Through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, intelligence-driven operations coupled with enhanced surveillance along our borders and the deployment of advanced technology, we will continue to demonstrate exemplary professionalism, to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
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