Story by Dili Utomi.
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service with Dr. Ben Oramalugo in charge has released the details of the performance of the Command for the past three months. Speaking at the press briefing within the premises of the Command in Ibadan on Friday, Dr. Oramalugo provided detailed figures to buttress his points.
He informed the press that “For the months of June and July 2024 the Command collected a total revenue of ₦13,311,191,473.12 (Thirteen Billion, Three Hundred and Eleven Million, One Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-Three Naira, Twelve Kobo). For the period covering August 1st to August 23rd 2024 the Command has collected the sum of ₦4,767,776,213.37 (Four Billion, Seven Hundred and Sixty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Thirty-Seven Kobo), making a total of ₦18,078,967,686.49 (Eighteen Billion, and Seventy-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Niara, Forty-Nine Kobo)”.
His words “Cumulatively, when added to the 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) generated between January to May 2024, the sum of ₦48,743,215,625.64 (Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Three Million, Two Hundred and Fifteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira, Sixty-Four Kobo) was collected”.
The figure signifies 2.74% increase when compared to the sum of ₦47,408,251,086.73 (Forty-Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Eight Million, Two Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, and Eighty-Six Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo) collected for the period of January to August 2023.
Dr. Oramalugo noted that the improved revenue performance can be attributed to several factors including enhanced monitoring and enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and technological advancements. These factors he said, have helped to improve monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, maintain proper engagement with key stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach, reduce bottlenecks and enhance the Command’s ability to detect and prevent revenue leakages.
In the area of anti-smuggling, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has also intensified its efforts in combating smuggling activities within their jurisdiction. From 14th June to 29th August, 2024 Command officers successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods including:
1. Premium Motor Spirit, 753 kegs and 94 Drums (40,915 litres) with a duty paid value of ₦27,894,900.00
2. Cannabis Sativa, 2448 Wraps and 11 Sachets (2,020kg) with a DPV of ₦148,932,000.00
3. Foreign Parboiled Rice, 2,183 (50kg) bags with a DPV of ₦192,104,000.00
4. Used Tyres, 2,667 Pieces with a DPV of ₦254,839,500.00
5. Used Clothing, 24 Bales with a DPv of₦17,280,000.00
6. Used Mazda Car (626), 01 with a DPV of ₦3,600,000.00
7. Used Pick-up Truck, 01 with a DPV of ₦7,700,000.00
8. Used DAF Truck 01 (10 Tyres) with a DPV of ₦30,800,000.00
9. Used DAF Truck, 01 (6 Tyres) with a DPV of ₦30,000,000.00
Total Duty Paid Value for all seized items are ₦713,150,400.00
The Area Comptroller added “I would like to inform members of the public, that in spirit of interagency collaboration the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) has given approval to the Command to hand over the 2448 (Two Thousand Four Hundred and Forty-Eight) wraps and another 11 (Eleven) sachets of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦148,932,000:00k (One Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand Naira) to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command”.
“In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received prior to this press briefing to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to its inflammable nature. A total of 40,915 Litres of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a Duty Paid Value of ₦27,894,900.00 (Twenty-Seven Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira only) have been auctioned during the period covering June 14th to August 29th 2024”.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasises that these seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability.
He said “The milestone recorded here today are as a result of strategic intelligence gathering, increased patrols, and the dedication of Command officers who have demonstrated exceptional vigilance and commitment to duty. The proactive measures taken by various Command anti-smuggling teams have not only prevented illegitimate trade but also protected our communities from the dangers posed by these illicit goods”.
He concluded that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in all our operations. He also extended his appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service and other Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.
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