Oyo/Osun Command Records N23.9b Revenue, Hands Over N596.8m Drugs to NAFDAC, N46.9m Cannabis to NDLEA
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved an impressive feat, generating a total revenue of ₦23,974,543,014.49 in the third quarter of 2024, from July to September 2024. This remarkable figure represents a 27.5% increase from the corresponding period in 2023, where the Command collected ₦17,377,387,591.90. This significant growth underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to efficient revenue collection, achieved through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring. The Command’s efforts have paid off, demonstrating its resilience despite the current economic challenges.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo announced at the Ibadan headquarters, that despite challenging economic conditions, the Oyo/Osun Customs Command has ramped up efforts to ensure every lawful revenue is collected. This commitment underscores the Command’s dedication to contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The Comptroller stated that from January to September 2024, the Oyo/Osun Customs Command generated a cumulative revenue of ₦56,656,828,685.30, representing a 7.85% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when the Command collected ₦52,206,458,966.50.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo attributes the Oyo/Osun Customs Command’s impressive revenue collection success to streamlined procedures and enhanced technology, particularly the NICIS II system, which has increased transparency and improved compliance from stakeholders. This achievement is especially remarkable given the current financial challenges facing businesses and individuals.
He emphasized that revenue from Excise Duty came from legitimate production activities by excise factories within the Command’s Area of Responsibility, adding that Command’s officers have ensured thorough documentation checks to avoid any revenue leakages.
The controller stated that the revenue generated reflected the resilience and dedication of Command’s officers in ensuring strict compliance with customs laws and regulations while facilitating legitimate trade.
“We recognize the pivotal role we play in the nation’s economic recovery and we are committed to continuing this upward trajectory in revenue generation,” he said.
Oramalugo maintained that Oyo/Osun Area Command has prioritized its anti-smuggling operations, particularly during these challenging times when illicit trade poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens and the economy at large.
He informed that in a bid to achieve set objectives, the Command intensified its efforts in combating smuggling activities within its jurisdiction ‘”through the following: a. Curbing Illegal Cross-Border Activities: Our intensified border patrols along the Oyo and Osun axis has significantly disrupted smuggling operations, with 31 successful interceptions of goods being smuggled through illegal routes. b. Intelligence-Driven Operations: The success of our anti-smuggling operations is largely due to the increased use of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local communities. We have strengthened our network of informants, which has been instrumental in identifying and neutralizing smuggling operations within the region. c. Public Engagement and Collaboration: The Oyo/Osun Area Command has deepened its collaboration with local communities and other security agencies, leading to more effective operations.
“We have initiated several community sensitization programs through respective Patrol/Outstation Heads to educate members of the public about the dangers of smuggling and the benefits of supporting legal trade. “This approach has not only reduced smuggling incidents but has also fostered greater cooperation between residents and the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service,” he said.
The controller stated that for the period of August 30th, 2024 to October 29th, 2024, the Command officers successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦755,896,700.00 Seven Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira Only.
He pointed out that these operations not only safeguard Nigerian economy but also protect the local industries and create an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive.
“We understand the ripple effects of smuggling on the economy and the need to protect the interests of law-abiding citizens, especially in these trying times
“As we navigate the prevailing economic hardships, we are more determined than ever to maintain our role as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic stability. Our duty is to ensure that the country’s borders are secure from illegal trade and that all revenue due to the government is collected efficiently.
“In a bid to sustain and improve on these successes, the Command remains committed to improving our performance in all areas, including the facilitation of legitimate trade, which contributes directly to economic growth, and sustaining the integrity of our anti-smuggling operations.
“The Oyo/Osun Area Command will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the local communities, security agencies and traders, leverage on the use of modern technology, build capacity of her officers, so they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confront emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency and continue public sensitization campaigns to ensure that we achieve our goals.
” I would like to inform the Gentlemen of the press, that in accordance with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) of Consolidation, Collaboration and innovation, the Command would be handing over fake pharmaceutical drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦596,856,500.00k (Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only) to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of (₦46,935,000.00k) Forty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand Naira to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he announced.
He used this medium as to expressed
the Command’s profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) and his Management Team for the support that they have continually extended to the Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.
Oramalugo also extended his profound gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service, all officers of the Oyo/Osun
Area Command for their tireless dedication to duty and other Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in making these achievements possible.
“Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting the Command’s efforts by providing timely information and cooperating with the Command to combat the challenges posed by smugglers and economic saboteurs. “Together, we will continue to safeguard our borders, boost revenue generation, and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria,” the controller stated.
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