… Showcases Seizures of Drugs, other Goods worth N380M in 3 weeks
In what could be referred to as a veritable replacement in the leadership of Ogun Area One (Idiroko) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, there are desirable signs of positive notion, performance wise with recent activities and development currently emanating from the command.
The present Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Folorunso James Ojo, has indeed proven that he is an anti-smuggling force to be reckon with irrespective of unprecedented performance records of immediate past CAC, as in less than three weeks of leadership take over, the command have showcased huge interceptions of drugs and offensive goods.
With current developments at the command, industry watchers are of the view that Comptroller Ojo, the new helmsman, who took over leadership reign on April 16, 2024 at the Idiroko Border command, had come prepared, exhibiting leadership capability, especially with the recent massive seizure record of contraband goods worth over N380 million in less than one month of his assumption of office.
In his maiden press briefing held in Abeokuta capital of Ogun State, the no nonsense CAC disclosed that about 90 sacks including 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa were intercepted at various locations within the zone.
Others, according to him include; 1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each; 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 Cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others.
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items was however put at N380,370,911.00.
According to the CAC, it is of essence to state that the aforementioned items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of our intelligence network such as the Customs Intelligence Unit, DSS and others.
Comptroller Ojo however gave brief highlight on the adverse effect of some of the seized items on the wellbeing of our citizenry, especially the cannabis sativa, pneumatic tyres and foreign rice as he noted that Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp which he said is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant, which has devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths.
Continuing, he said the rise in its abuse is of great concern within the Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping terrorism and other criminalistics.
As for the foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres, Comptroller Ojo said they are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries, and shipped into the country after use over Seas. These tyres are deemed unsuitable for our highways because, significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates. According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tyres are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing.
“Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy”, he said.
Rice, he said is a staple food eaten in many homes in the country. Its importation through the land borders was prohibited by the Federal Government of Nigerian (FGN) to encourage local production and be self-sufficient, as Nigeria is blessed with vast and fertile lands. This policy of the FGN may be perceived as difficult and unfriendly, but has a long-term great benefit when embraced. For instance, the much-appreciated foreign rice is a local produce in the countries of exportation, and these countries commenced their production with insignificant quantity before getting to their present commercial status.
“In a nutshell, the persistent smuggling of rice will continue to hamper our economic growth and development as a nation. We will overcome the economic situation in the country by God’s grace. Let us give the required support and cooperation to Nigeria Customs Service, and by extension to the FGN to improve our social security and economic wellbeing”, the CAC said.
On the revenue collection mandate of the command, the CAC revealed that the Command generated the a total sum of N14,628,661 as revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products in the period under review.
He however lamented the at the moment trading activities across the border is not encouraging, but noted that effort is ongoing to address the identified challenges that hinder the flow of trade.
While expressing hope that the ongoing efforts will enhance the command’s revenue profile significantly, the CAC used the opportunity to encourage compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of his management maximum cooperation, noting that his doors are widely open for consultation and required support.
Comptroller Ojo thereafter send a note of warning to economic saboteurs to steer clear of smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade, as he threatened that anyone caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law.
In closing, he CAC reaffirm his led management dedication to duty and commitment to ensuring safety and well-being of the people.
“We remain resolute in carrying out our mandate in Ogun State with utmost patriotism. Your support and cooperation with mutual understanding will assist in facilitating our economic growth and social wellbeing”, Ojo appealed.
The CAC however appreciated the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc(+) and his management team the enabling support given, as well as recognising the concerted and collaborative efforts of his gallant officers and the critical stakeholders.
Recalled that, the emergence of the new Customs Area Controller (CAC), a highly experienced and no nonsense Comptroller Folorunsho James Ojo who recently took over the mantle of leadership of the command from Comptroller AB Shuiabu who tends to have left behind a big shoe of performance for any incoming administrator to fit into, is widely regarded as a good call judging from his performing antecedents.
On assumption of office, the newly posted Area Controller, Ogun One (Idiroko) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has reiterated his management commitment to operate an open door policy and work with relevant stakeholders and communities toward the sustenance of a friendly business environment within the frontiers, which many regarded as a good way to start for him to succeed at the highly rated smuggling notoriety zone.
Comptroller Ojo also promised to build on the mutually beneficial business relationship between Nigeria and Benin Republic via the Ìdí Iroko border to ensure that activities of smuggling is reduced to the barest minimum.
Ojo further promised to tirelessly work in making sure communities within the zone understand the dangers of smuggling and its effect on the Nigerian economy in view of placing them in the right path and purpose, mutual understanding and for them to benefit from government plan for the communities and their people,
Comptroller Ojo at the handing over ceremony however took his time to reign praises on his predecessor whom he said did excellently well and has made his job easy. He also observed that Comptroller Shuaibu’s greatness was anchored on support from stakeholders including media practitioners, thus, he pleaded for similar cooperation.
According to him, “My predecessor has done a lot here; yet I know that all these are going to be like child’s play compared to the results he will accomplish at FOU Zone B, Kaduna.”
Furthermore, he noted that the FOU Zone ‘B’ region cuts across about 10 states, as the CAC prayed that his predecessor will do exploits and be duly elevated to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General in the near future.
In conclusion, Comptroller Ojo said, “Nigeria is going through a unique phase in its history and things are beginning to take shape, but everyone has a role to play and the press has a unique role in achieving the right national results. Let’s do it together at Idiroko,” he postulated.
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