The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it made ₦82,193,426,334.10k as revenue in year 2024 and ₦7,804,408,776.88k in January 2025.
The 2024 revenue is the highest since the inception of the Command, and 15.3% higher than the amount collected in fiscal year 2023, which was ₦71,292,530,398.17k. Similarly, the sum generated in January 2025 represents a 10.1% and 14.3% increase when compared to the sums of ₦7,088,191,138:30k and ₦6,824,954,338:96k collected in the years 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Comptroller of the Command disclosed this during a media briefing on the command’s performance and milestones achieved at its operational headquarters in Ibadan on Wednesday.
His words: “With profound gratitude and a sense of fulfillment, I stand before you today to address you on the command’s first press brief in the year 2025, as well as my final press brief as the Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service Oyo/Osun Area Command. As I have been redeployed to another Command, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible progress we have accomplished together in the previous one year and four months, and with a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, I am tremendously grateful for all of your support.
“When I took over the mantle of leadership as the Oyo/Osun Command’s Customs Area Controller, we made a collaborative commitment to performing our tasks with excellence while honoring the Nigeria Customs Service’s basic values. We worked together to address three primary priorities: increasing revenue collection, safeguarding Nigeria’s borders through effective anti-smuggling operations, and guaranteeing compliance with federal fiscal regulations. These duties helped our beloved country’s economic growth while also preventing the introduction of illegal items into the country, which would have had a negative impact on the general public.
“This achievement in all modesty represents the hard work and dedication of the officers and men under my leadership, as well as our strong collaboration with stakeholders in the business community, in-depth strategic enforcement and improved compliance.”
He pointed out that that the revenue milestone was achieved with the successful implementation of many strategic initiatives aimed at increasing compliance and streamlining our procedures.
Comptroller Oramalugo explained that the Command was able to reduce delays, boost efficiency, and facilitate trade while collecting proper duties by utilising technology such as the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and taking a proactive approach in addressing legitimate traders’ problems.
Speaking on anti-smuggling and national security, he said that the Command through sustained efforts achieved tremendous progress in countering unlawful activities that endanger Nigeria’s security and impede the growth of the country’s local industry.
“Due to the interceptions and seizures of uncustomed commodities valued at ₦5,377,759,260:00k (Five billion, three hundred and seventy-seven million, seven hundred and fifty-nine thousand, two hundred and sixty naira only) in duty-paid value, the command score card for anti-smuggling efforts in 2024 is likewise of massive proportions. In comparison to the duty paid value of ₦451,479,759:00k (Four hundred and fifty-one million, four hundred and seventy-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine naira only) intercepted and confiscated in 2023, the duty paid value for 2024 represents a 1,091.14% increase.
“Between December 20th, 2024 to January 31st, 2025, the Command intercepted and seized smuggled goods with a duty paid value ₦202,784,000.00k. (Two hundred and two million, Seven hundred and eighty-four thousand naira only). These items included the following contraband goods which are detrimental to Nigeria’s economy and national security.”
The commodity seized include foreign parboiled rice – 170 bags (50kg) with DPV of ₦14,960,000.00k; used tyres (1667 pieces) worth ₦160,032,000.00k; used clothes (32 bales and 4 sacks) worth ₦23,040,000.00k and ₦2,880,000.00.
Others are 2 sacks of used shoes valued at ₦1,080,000.00k, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (40 kegs of 25 litres) with ₦792,000.00k DPV, bringing the total to ₦202,784,000.00k.
“As we carried out these anti-smuggling operations, we also remained focused on protecting the interests of local manufacturers and industries. Our efforts ensured that cheaper, substandard, and harmful goods were kept out of our markets, thereby giving local producers an opportunity to thrive and ensuring the health and safety of our citizens.
“Additionally, we took significant steps to engage with local communities, raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on national development. Through these outreach programs, we were able to foster stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the general public, which is crucial for achieving long-term success in the suppression of smuggling within the Command’s Area of Responsibility,” the Comptroller remarked.
The Oyo/Osun Customs boss expressed gratitude to the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support to the Command.
He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and the entire management team for their unwavering support.
Comptroller Oramalugo further lauded the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Command for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the goals of the NCS.
He added: “Notably, the collaborative efforts between the command and sister security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, DSS, Airforce and the police, cannot be discounted, as it contributed to numerous successful operations and ensuring that our borders are not exploited by persons with nefarious intentions.
“Finally, I would like to thank the business community as well as patriotic Nigerians for their collaboration which helped us to succeed and also the media for their role in disseminating information, raising awareness, and keeping the public informed of the Command’s efforts.”
