Comptroller Adelaja Shines, Hits the Ground running at Oyo/Osun Customs with N2B Revenue Collection, N165m worth of Seizures
Comptroller Olugbuyi Joseph Adelaja, CAC, Oyo/Osun Command, NCS
The new leadership helmsman in charge of the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) as Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Olugbuyi Joseph Adelaja has hit the ground running with spectacular revenue and anti-smuggling performance in less than one month of assumption of office.
In his maiden press briefing, Comptroller Adelaja who officially assumed office as the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command on 7th February 2025 and has remained committed to the core mandates of revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations of the command was able to collect the total sum of ₦2,048,487,969.00 (Two billion and forty-eight million, four hundred and eight seven thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) as revenue. This however covers the period of 1 February to 27 February 2025.
According to his press statement, the revenue collected reflects the diligence and efficiency of Officers and men of the command in ensuring compliance with extant Customs laws and policies.
Adelaja addressing newsmen at the briefing
He also said that under his watch the Oyo/Osun Area Command has significantly reduced tax evasion through the adoption of advanced technology, such as the deployment of improved data analytics, which has enabled the Command to monitor trade flows and identify discrepancies effectively.
Similarly, the command also performed creditably one of the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service, which is the suppression of smuggling, which unarguably undermines national security and economic growth.
The CAC said, so far the Oyo/Osun Area Command has made significant strides in curbing smuggling activities, safeguarding the nation’s economy, and protecting local industries from the harmful effects of illicit trade, in that within two weeks he assumed office, the Command intercepted and seized several high-profile smuggling consignments, which included the seizure of foreign Rice, Second-hand clothing, Premium Motor Spirit and used tyres, others worth a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦165,387,000.00k (One and sixty-five million, Three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only).
Tyre seizures
Adelaja noted that, the interception and seizure of these prohibited and uncustomed items have prevented the illegal inflow of products that undermine local industries, particularly rice farmers and manufacturers in the region. On this note, the interception of prohibited foreign parboiled rice has led to the increase in production and consumption of the local rice in Oyo and Osun State respectively.
He explained that the remarkable achievements of his led command have been made possible through the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and cooperation of the officers and men of the Command, as he is highly impressed by their commitment and the level of support they have extended, which has significantly contributed to the successes recorded so far, despite the challenging economic downturn facing the nation.
Adelaja showcasing the rice seizure stacked at the command
Breakdown of the seizures include; 1,043 Foreign Parboiled Rice (50kg) worth DPV of ₦114,730,000.00; 452 Pieces of Used Tyres with ₦43,392,000.00DPV; Two bales of Used Clothing of ₦1,440,000.00 DPV; as well as 233 Kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (25 Litres) with ₦5,825,000.00 DPV, all having a total DPV of ₦165,387,000.00
The CAC further revealed that the Command in a bid to enhance border monitoring has intensified its surveillance of key entry points and transit routes within the Oyo/Osun region through a combination
of physical inspections, surveillance technology, and intelligence sharing with other security agencies.
Also speaking on the Command’s enforcement activities, Comptroller Adelaja said the Anti-smuggling operations have been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service. He pointed that these partnerships have facilitated the exchange of intelligence and allowed the joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region.
Also, he said, the Command will further prioritize the sensitization of the members of the public to raise awareness about the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and the well-being of the nation, noting that through media engagements and outreach programs, the Command would empower the local communities with the basic knowledge and tools required to report smuggling activities.
This initiative would equip the members of the public about the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service in order to support the fight against illegal trade.
Lamenting the low level of importation, fluctuating exchange rates, and inflation which have all contributed to the economic challenges being faced, Comptroller Adelaja said the Command has responded strategically to these challenges, ensuring that the Command remains resolute on its mission. He said the command has demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in adapting to the changing environment, through efficient management of resources, improved coordination of officers, and strategic partnerships, the Command has mitigated the impact of the economic downturn.
Furthermore in its collaborative stance, the Command has prioritized its engagement with excise factories and other stakeholders to ensure the continuity of operations and a steady flow of revenue, noting that this approach also focused on building a strong relationship with the stakeholders and to ensure that the Command maintain trust and cooperation even in this challenging time.
The elated CAC remarked that activities at the Oyo/Osun Area Command in the past 22 days has been nothing short of transformative, despite the economic downturn, as the Command has recorded significant revenue milestones and has made commendable progress in its anti-smuggling efforts. He however appreciated the efforts of the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc+ and his Management Team in ensuring that the Officers and Men of the Command are well equipped to perform their primary duties.
While also appreciating His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde for providing an enabling environment for Officers and men of Customs Area Command Oyo/Osun to perform their duties within the state, the unwavering support and cooperation enjoyed from the Traditional rulers and the various sister security Agencies within the states for their collaboration and commitment to ensure operatives of the command succeed, as well as the media, Adelaja unequivocally stated that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to contributing to the nation’s development, securing the borders, and ensuring that the Nigeria Customs Service continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth.
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