The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Command has remitted N11 billion revenue into the federal government coffers for September and October 2023.
When added to the revenue collected for the period covering January to August 2023, the Command has collected a Sum of ₦59,087,983,670.64.
Cutoms Area Controller, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo made this known when briefing newsmen on Friday about its operations at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan.
He said: “During the period covering September to October 2023, the Command through its rigorous enforcement measures and strategic initiatives has contributed to the economic growth of the Nation by collecting the Sum of ₦11,679,732,583.91k (Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Three Naira, Ninety One Kobo) as revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government.
“When added to the revenue collected for the period covering January to August 2023, the Command has collected a Sum of ₦59,087,983,670.64k (Fifty Nine Billion, and Eighty Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Naira, Sixty Four Kobo).”
Comptroller Oramalugo in his remarks said the successes recorded since he assumed the office in September is a testament of the goals under his reign.
“It is with great pleasure, I wish to announce the milestones achieved by the Oyo/ Osun area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service since my assumption of duty on 18th September 2023. Under my distinguished leadership, several laudable achievement have been accomplished and aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation and suppression of smuggled/prohibited items within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR).
“The Oyo/Osun Area Command has a mandate of revenue collection from various Excise factories and the suppression of smuggling within our Area of Responsibility. Since my assumption of office which is exactly Seven (7) weeks and Four (4) days, we have invited you here to showcase some of our achievements in line with the Commands mandate.
The CAC lauded the efforts of Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi in achieving the feat.
He said: “At this juncture, we wish to express our gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc (+) who in his efforts to ensure the realization of the Command’s mandate in the area of suppression of smuggling has made provisions for operational vehicles to the Command and leveraging on the inspiration and support received we hope to improve our performance subsequent months ahead.
The score card of anti-smuggling operations of the Command during the period under review comprises; Rice 1,248 (50kg) bags with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N27,456,000.00; Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) – 425 (25 litres) kegs & DPV of 2,125,000.00; 24 bales of used clothings and a bag – DPVs of N4,320,000.00 and 180,000.00 respectively.
Others are 492 pieces of used tyres worth 2,952,000.00; 64 sacks and 150 wraps of cannabis sativa weighing 777.5kg with a worth of 14,138,460.00 and one (01) DANE gun with a value of 9,000.00 – totalling 51,180,460.00.
He revealed that the achievement came to fruition as a result of putting some measures in place.
His words: “This feat is made possible by our resolve to continue to prioritize trade facilitation, religiously enforce provisions of our extant laws aimed at facilitating legitimate trade, implementation of various measures to simplify Customs processes, reducing bureaucracy within the system with the aim of promoting legitimate trade and foster a conducive business environment for Excise traders operating within the Command’s Area of Responsibility.”
However, he noted the efforts of partners and stakeholders in achieving the remarkable success, adding that the illicit substance would be delivered to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“It is important to note that the Command recognizes the importance of collaboration and inter-agency cooperation of which it fosters strong partnerships with relevant Federal Government Agency, Trade Associations and the General Publics.
“Necessary consultations and engagements have been held to address concerns, gather feedbacks and ensure a harmonized approach to Customs operations. In view of the aforementioned, it is important to note that the Command intercepted Sixty Four (64) Sacks and One Hundred and Fifty (150) compressed Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) from various axis within the Command’s Area of Responsibility.
“The said illegal substance weighing a total of 777.5kg would be handed over to the NDLEA today Friday 10th November 2023. Permit me to also state that the achievements showcased here today were made possible through timely sharing of credible intelligence and effective collaboration/synergy between all Units of Nigeria Customs Service resident between Oyo and Osun States. (Federal Operations Unit, Border Drill).”
The Comptroller further stated: “We would also like to mention that the collaborative efforts of the Sister Agencies such as Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Security, NDLEA, and Oyo State Operation Burst are all appreciated.
Furthermore we would also like to appreciate and acknowledge the cooperation of various Traditional rulers and Community leaders who have continued to enlighten their respective Communities of the ills of Smuggling.”
He also lauded the contributions of Oyo and Osun State governments in the course of their operations.
“Our appreciation also goes to the Government of Oyo and Osun States for providing an enabling environment for the Command’s Officer and Men to perform their statutory functions, while assuring our compliant stakeholders with legitimate businesses within the Command’s Area of Responsibility of our maximum cooperation.”
In the same vein, the Comptroller admonished members of the public to desist from unscrupulous activities, stressing that those found in the acts would be brought to book.
“We would also like to sound a note of warning to individuals with nefarious intentions aimed at sabotaging the economic development of our great nation Nigeria to stay steer clear of the Command’s coverage area, as all available resources in accordance with all Extant laws as enshrined in the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023 would be deployed not only to frustrate them but ensure such economic saboteurs are brought to justice.
“Furthermore, we solicit the assistance of well-meaning Nigerians and members of general public to provide useful information which can be used to apprehend economic saboteurs within their environment, to the Area Command so as to improve Command’s service delivery, rid our society of all economic saboteurs and to safeguard our great country Nigeria,” he stated.
He also expressed profound gratitude to the press for their continued support and assured them of the Command’s commitment towards effective communication and transparency.
Similarly, he stressed the key role of the media which include dissemination of accurate information to the members of the public, thereby promoting the Customs Service operations.
