Dr. Oramalugo pressmen round the seized items
Story by Dili Utomi.
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service under the control of the versatile officer, Dr. Ben Oramalugo has released its first quarter scorecard and it shows some quite impressive figures in the various items of the Command’s operations. Inspite of the prevailing economic challenges, they have worked assiduously to facilitate trade while ensuring compliance with Customs regulations. In the words of Comptroller Oranalugo “This act of resilience and dedication in ensuring the efficient collection of customs duties and taxes, underscores the Commands commitment to contribute to the economic stability of our great nation Nigeria”.
In the month of March 2024 the Oyo/Osun Area Command collected the sum of ₦5,673,615,718.56 (Five Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Three Million, Six Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eighteen Naira, Fifty-Six Kobo) into the coffers of the Federal Government.
When added to the sum of ₦12,496,043,684.11 (Twelve Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, and Forty-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo) already collected for the period of January to February 2024, the cumulative sum of ₦18,169,659,402.67 (Eighteen Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Two Naira, Sixty-Seven Kobo) was collected for the first quarter of the year 2024.
CAC Oramalugo standing close to some seized items.
CAC Oramalugo said of their anti-smuggling activities, “In tandem with our revenue collection efforts, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has intensified its anti-smuggling activities to safeguard our borders and protect our economy from illicit trade practices. The act of smuggling poses a grave threat to our national security and economic stability, and we are committed to combating this menace with unwavering resolve.”.
His words “For the period of March 1st to April 16th 2024 the Command has intercepted and seized the following contraband goods-
COMMODITY SEIZED
QUANTITY AND THE
DUTY PAID VALUE
DPV (₦)
Foregin Parboiled Rice
982 (50kg) Bags
86,416,000:00
Canabis Sativa
12 Sacks and
40 wraps
(Weighing 80.2kg)
5, 495,000:00
Used Tyres
254 Pieces
24,384,000:00
Secondhand Clothing
6 Sacks
2,557,440:00
Secondhand Clothing
25 Bales
8,880,000:00
African Original Textile Material
27 Bales
12,757,500:00
Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
494 (25 Litre) Kegs
(Totaling 24,700 Litres)
8,151,000:00
Diazepam Tablet
1 Pack
20 ,000:00
Tramadol
20 Packs
1,000,000:00
DAF Truck (6 Tyres)
1
50,000,000:00
DAF Truck (12 tyres)
1
100,000,000:00
TOTAL
#299,660,940.00”
“For the first quarter of the year 2024, the Area Command was able to intercept and seize uncustom items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦2,181,860,440:00 (Two Billion, One Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty Thousand Four Hundred and Forty Naira Only). This shows an increase of ₦2,098,515,640:00 (Two Billion, and Ninety-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Naira) when compared to the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦83,344,800:00 (Eighty-Three Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) recorded during the first quarter of 2023”.
On government policies and enforcement of same, Comptroller Oramalugo says “As we reflect on our achievements, it is important to acknowledge the economic challenges currently facing our country. Inflationary pressures, currency fluctuations, and other macroeconomic factors continue to pose significant hurdles to our economic growth and development. However, I am confident that with strategic planning and collaborative efforts, we can overcome these challenges and steer our economy towards sustainable recovery”.
CAC Oramalugo addressing the press.
He says that the Command readily engages stakeholders and operates an open door, all inclusive policy to enhance transparency, trust and effectiveness in all their operations.
Dr. Oramalugo expresses his profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, traditional rulers, Local Government Chairmen, key stakeholders and the general public in their various enlightenment campaign to the people on the negative influence of smuggling. He also thanked all cooperating sister agencies, the Nigerian army, the Nigerian Air Force including the Governor of Oyo State for their steady support and understanding.
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