Again, officers and men of Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) were reeling with elation of job well done when recently the command at its operational headquarters in Ibadan showcased significant milestone of seizure and revenue achievements recorded by its operatives from between the period of Wednesday 17th April, 2024, to Thursday 13th June, 2024 activities, amidst the various prevailing economic challenges facing the country.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo Phd, CAC, Oyo/Osun Command, NCS, showcases rice seizure
Since the advent of the present Customs Area Controller (CAC), DR. BEN ORAMALUGO PhD. FCIA FNIM, the command had continued to wax stronger in terms of spectacular and unprecedented achievements in her mandates of revenue collection, anti-smuggling campaign, as well as facilitation of legitimate trade, and reeling out huge performance feats.
Statement from the recent press briefing of the command which was made available to the media by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintended of Customs Wei is a testament to the huge success record of the command under the watch of Comptroller Ben Oramalugo.
Revenue Generation
The CAC announced that, despite the economic headwinds encountered for most parts of the second quarter of 2024, the Oyo/Osun Area Command demonstrated much resilience and successfully generated the total 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 alone.
However, when cumulatively added to the revenue generated for the months of January to April 2024, the total sum of ₦30,664,247,939.15 (Thirty Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Nine Naira; Fifteen Kobo) was generated as revenue for the period of January to May 2024.
According to the statement, the sum represents a 5.2 % 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); collected during the same period of the year 2023, as the CAC pointed that the increase is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of our Officers in ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
Dr Ben Oramalugo however pointed that the command still has a herculean task ahead, as the command’s revenue target is 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).
Also, the CAC said that the command have witnessed significant improved in terms of 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.
Similarly, on technological Integration, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo revealed that, the introduction of advanced technology solutions, such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernization Project, has streamlined processes and enhanced transparency, and further boosted the revenue collection capabilities of the command.
Anti-Smuggling
In tandem with our revenue generation efforts, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within our jurisdiction. 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:
Oramalugo showcasing seizures to pressmen
Details of the seizures include: 504 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, (Weighing 391.9kg) worth N15,814,600:00 Duty Paid Value (DPV); 600 (50Kg) Bags (i.e One Trailer Load) of Foreign Parboiled Rice with a DPV of N50,280,000:00; Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) 274 (25 Litre Kegs) (Totaling: 6,850 Litres) valued at N5,521,500:00; 123 Pieces Pieces of Used Tyres worth N15,648,000:00DPV; One Used Mercedes Truck of N30,000,000:00 Duty; One Used Nissan Caravan with duty of N12,590,000:00, all totaling N129,854,100:00
On the seized Cannabis, the CAC said that in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) and in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the Command has received approval to hand over the 546 wraps and another 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth N21,128,260:00k (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.
In the same vein regards the seized PMS, he said that approval was received prior to this press briefing to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature.
PMS Seizure at Oyo
Oramalugo however reassured all stakeholders within the Commands Area of Responsibility (AoR), that the service recognized the grave implications of smuggling on national security, economic stability, public health and the command remained resolute in our determination to combat this menace, noting that through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, intelligence-driven operations coupled with enhanced surveillance along our borders and the deployment of advanced technology, his operatives will continue to demonstrate exemplary professionalism, to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
As always, the CAC used medium to express 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
He as well extended his appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Sister Security Agencies and other Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration. Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act.
Seized means of conveyance
For his non-relenting officers and men, the CAC commended their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in achieving commendable results during the period under review in the year 2024, as he noted that their commitment to duty and professionalism amidst challenging circumstances is truly commendable.
As we navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape, all stakeholders can be rest assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Nigeria Customs
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