The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a milestone generation 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) for the period of January to May 2024.

The Command in a press conference on Thursday announced that this represents a 5.2 per  cent 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.

Customs Area Controller of the Command (CAC), Dr. Ben Oramalugo, speaking at the Conference described the milestone the increase as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the Command’s officers in ensuring compliance and maximising revenue collection.

According to him, despite the economic headwinds in the second quarter of 2024, the Command demonstrated much resilience and 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.

However, he pointed out that the Command still has a herculean task ahead to meet its revenue target 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 other achievements of the Command, Oramalugo said there has been an improved compliance as efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility (AoR) on the importance of adhering to customs regulations have paid off.

“We have seen a significant reduction in under-declarations, contributing to the overall increase in revenue,” he said.

On technological integration, he said the introduction of advanced technology solutions, such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project, has streamlined processes and enhanced transparency, further boosting Oyo/Osun’s revenue collection capabilities.

Giving his report on anti-smuggling milestones, the CAC said the Oyo/Osun Area Command has maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within our jurisdiction, a reflection in its revenue generation efforts.

“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: 504 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 391.9kg worth N15,814,600:00, 600 (50kg each) bags of foreign parboiled rice ((one trailer load) worth N50,280,000:00, and 274 (25 Litres Kegs) of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 6,850 litres worth N5,521,500:00.

Also seized were pieces of used tyres (123 pieces) worth N15,648,000:00, used Mercedes Truck (01 unit) worth N30,000,000:00 and used Nissan Caravan (01 unit) worth N12,590,000:00 bringing the worth of the entire seizures to N129,854,100:00  

The CAC disclosed that 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 while the seizures of PMS were auctioned due to their inflammable nature. 

He reassured all the stakeholders within the AoR that the Command would remain resolute in its determination to combat the menace of smuggling, recognising the grave implications of smuggling on national security, economic stability, and public health.

“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,” Oramalugo promised.

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