…. Hands over N1.7B Fake Drugs seizure to NAFDAC
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under the present leadership of Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ben Oramalugo have continued to churn out remarkable feats in its Revenue Collection and Anti-smuggling mandates.
The first quarter report as encapsulated in the recent press briefing statement undertaking by the CAC to showcase the Command’s activities in the first three months of year 2024 is a testament fact to this assertion.
“My briefing shall reflect on the revenue, the anti-smuggling activities and the efforts of the Command to enforce necessary Federal Government policies amid the ongoing economic challenges facing our nation, all while maintaining a humane approach”, the CAC said.
According to the statement made available by the Public Relations Officer, the Area Controller, Dr Ben Oramalugo disclosed that the command under his watch would not leave any stone unturned in waging the war against illicit drugs in his area of jurisdiction.
REVENUE GENERATION
In the revenue collection mandate of the command, Oramalugo said the Oyo/Osun Area Command has continued to demonstrate commendable performance in revenue collection since the beginning of 2024, noting that despite the prevailing economic challenges, his officers have worked tirelessly to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with Customs regulations.
According to him, this act of resilience and dedication in ensuring the efficient collection of customs duties and taxes, underscores the Commands commitment to contribute to the economic stability of our great nation Nigeria. He explained that the command for the month of March 2024 collected the sum of N5,673,615,71 8.56 (Five Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Three Million, Six Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighteen Naira, Fifty-Six Kobo) into the coffers of the Federal Government, and when added to the sum of N12,496,043, 684. 11 (Twelve Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, and Forty-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo) already collected for the period of January to February 2024, the cumulative sum of N18,169,659,402.67 (Eighteen Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Two Naira, Sixty-Seven Kobo) was collected for the first quarter of the year 2024.
ANTI-SMUGGLING
Similarly, the Anti-Smuggling campaign of the Oyo/Osun command have assumed a higher dimension since the advent of the Ben Oramalugo led management as it has intensified its anti-smuggling activities to safeguard the nation’s borders and protect its economy from illicit trade practices.
He however announced that the Area Command has recorded significant successes in intercepting smuggled goods during the period under review, as it seized various contraband items including narcotics (Cannabis Sativa Tramadol Tablets), Foreign Parboiled Rice, Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), Second Hand Clothing and Used Tyres. He said for the period of March 1st to April 16th 2024 the Command has intercepted and seized contraband goods worth Six Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighteen Naira, Fifty-Six (N615,718.50).
This according to the CAC is made possible through targeted intelligence-led operations, collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, enhanced border surveillance and the utilization of advanced technology the command.
“These interceptions underscore our commitment to thwarted attempts to smuggle prohibited items into our communities thereby upholding the integrity of our borders, safeguarding public health and safeguarding the interests of our nation.
Enforcement of Federal Government Policies:
As we reflect on our achievements, it is important to acknowledge the economic challenges currently facing our country. Inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, and other macroeconomic factors continue to pose significant hurdles to our economic growth and development. However, I am confident that with strategic planning and collaborative efforts, we can overcome these challenges and steer our economy towards sustainable recovery.
He stressed, despite the constraints imposed by the prevailing economic conditions, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in its commitment to duty and service. We recognize the vital role that trade facilitation and revenue generation play in driving economic progress, and we are fully committed to fulfilling our mandate with integrity and professionalism.
Engagement with Stakeholders:
To foster understanding and collaboration, the Oyo/ Osun Area Command actively engages with stakeholders, including trade associations, community leaders, and government agencies. Through dialogue and partnership, we seek to address concerns, solicit feedback, and find mutually beneficial solutions to the challenges we encounter.
This inclusive approach enhances transparency, trust, and effectiveness in our operations at the excise factories and the border areas. According to him, the success of our operations would not be possible without the support and collaboration of our stakeholders, including the efforts of all Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen and Key Stakeholders in both Oyo and Osun States, who have sustained the enlighten their people about the negative effect of smuggling to our economy. He stated that it is also important to appreciate the collaborative effort of Sister Security Agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police force Department of State Services NDLEA, Oyo State once extended to us in our efforts to promote compliance, combat smuggling, and uphold the rule of law.
“Together, we have made significant strides in revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and the enforcement of Federal Government policies. As we navigate the second quarter and first half of the year, I would like to enjoin all Officer and Men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command to deploy available intelligence/technology at their disposal and remain steadfast in their commitment to serving our nation with integrity and empathy.
“In conclusion, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to its mandate of revenue collection, anti-smuggling activities, and enforcement of Federal Government policies. As we navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape, we will continue to prioritize professionalism, integrity, and a humane approach in all our operations”, Oramalugo said.
Consequently, Comptroller (Dr) Ben Oramalugo FCIA FNIM, thereafter handed over seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), led by the Zonal Director of NAFDAC for further investigation and appropriate action.
The handover ceremony which took place at the Operational Headquarters of the Command in Ibadan on April 17, 2024 had the seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals to include: Seven sacks of Augmentin tablets (625mg)22 sacks of Ampiclox tablets24 sacks of Amoxycillin Capsules (500mg). he revealed that the counterfeit drugs were intercepted by vigilant Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command during a routine patrol operation, and upon examination, it was confirmed that the pharmaceuticals were counterfeit with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,739,000,000:00 (One Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Nine Million Naira) and it posed a serious threat to public health and safety.
They Zonal Director South West Zone of NAFDAC Mrs Roseline Ajayi expressed appreciation for the collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and assured that the seized counterfeit drugs would undergo thorough examination and investigation. She reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to protecting the Nigerian populace from the dangers posed by counterfeit and substandard products.
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