… seeks CGC’s guidance, wealth of knowledge to tackle Command’s challenges
The Oyo/Osun Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a revenue generation of N43.6 billion and seizure of 156 goods worth ₦250.9m DPV in seven months.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, declared this on Monday during the Acting Controller General’s visit to the Command, stating that this represents 14.7 per cent short of revenue target in 2023 and 18 per cent increase from the revenue generated in the same period under review in 2022.
He said that the amount; Forty Three Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty Nine Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty two Naira, Seventy Eight kobo (43,559,666,432.78k) was generated between January and July 2023.
Jaiyeoba attributed the 14.7 per cent shortage in the 2023 first half year revenue target to change in fiscal policy, cashless policy of the government which had negatively affected manufacturing companies.
“The enforcement duties carried out by the Command to strategically curb all forms of smuggling activities that might arise from Nigerian border with the Republic of Benin has led to the seizures of 156 various goods worth Duty Paid Value(DPV) of ₦250,934,959 between January and July,” he stated.
Commenting on relationships with border communities to fight smuggling, Jaiyeoba said the Command maintained a healthy relationship with host border communities especially with traditional rulers who are in partnership with them to fight the menace by enlightening and discouraging their subjects from engaging in smuggling activities.
“This partnership has resulted in the donation of 4.338 acres of land around Sharki; 2.429 size of land at Idiakpa, Ishi Area of Oyo state and four acres of land at Odo water side. Also 4274.2sqm along Eruwa.
“We are currently working on securing the title document of the land and when we get it, it will be used for schools and barracks,” he disclosed.
On the challenges facing the Command, Jaiyeoba highlighted the changing of operating environment, insufficient manpower, and inadequate resources among others.
“It is worthy to note that the challenges experienced by the area command towards performing its duties can be likened to changing of operating environment following the growth in international trade and travels; increase in volume of trade and travels.
“This has actually reformed the way people do their services and businesses. We find it difficult to separate legitimate trade growth from illicit ones; inadequate operational vehicles; insufficient manpower. We had to merge with the soldiers at the Nigeria Airforce to carry out our duties due to lack of officers. We also experience lack of adequate resources,” he highlighted.
The Oyo Command Area Controller therefore sought the Acting Controller General of Custom’s (Ag. CGC’s) guidance, wealth of knowledge, strategic insight and vast experience, saying that it would definitely serve as a guiding light and help the Command steer towards achieving its set goals of a full service delivery through facilitation of legitimate trade without compromising national security and revenue of the nation.
“Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Service covers an expansive land area comprising 36 local governments in Oyo State and 30 local governments in Osun State and also borders the Republic of Benin.
“It covers a landscape of 37,705 square km. It is important to note that the Command is both revenue and enforcement oriented. It collects revenue from excise factories through excise duties and import duties, compounded warehouses and terminals, and also parcel post with our area of responsibilities. There are 100 warehouses, two parcel posts at Ife and Oshogbo,” he explained.
In response, the Ag. CGC, Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi, said he has sought for a strategic partnership between Customs and the Oyo state government in the fight against smuggling when he visited the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Adebayo Lawal earlier in the day.
He said, “It is important for us to call on the state government to partner with us in this fight against smuggling, particularly around the border areas.
“We believe that the time has come for us to work closely with each other, strengthen our partnership, and understand ourselves better so that we will know that we are working towards a shared goal of national development and security.”
The Deputy Governor on his part, urged officers to exercise discretion while chasing smugglers and pay more attention to criminals who import arms and ammunition.
“More attention must be paid to criminals who import arms and ammunition. If you’re able to catch criminals attempting to import arms and ammunition into the country for illegal purposes, that will save more lives,” he said.