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IBADAN – The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has disclosed the recovery of over N56 billion in revenue while intensifying its efforts against smuggling activities between August 30 and October 29, 2024.
Similarly, the command further said, it has successfully intercepted contraband goods valued at more than N755 million, highlighting its commitment to combat illegal trade in the areas.
The Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, disclosed this in Ibadan on Wednesday, while briefing newsmen in their office on the command’s achievements during this period.
He noted, “In the face of current economic conditions, we have intensified our efforts to ensure that every kobo due to the government is collected in accordance with the law.”
“For the third quarter of 2024, the Command reported a remarkable revenue generation of N23,974,543,014.49, marking a 27.5% increase compared to N17,377,387,591.90 in the same period of 2023.”
“This growth underscores our commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring,” Dr. Oramalugo added, emphasizing the importance of accountability in public service.”
“Cumulatively, from January to September 2024, the Command generated a total of N56,656,828,685.30, reflecting a 7.85% increase from N52,206,458,966.50 in the corresponding timeframe of the previous year.”
“Despite the financial strains affecting businesses and citizens, our success in revenue collection is a testament to our strategies and hard work,” he noted, recognising the contributions of his team.
Dr. Oramalugo further emphasised, “In terms of smuggling interceptions, the Command successfully seized contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N755,896,700.00.”
“We understand the ripple effects of smuggling on the economy and the necessity to protect the interests of law-abiding citizens, especially in these trying times.”
“It is our duty to ensure that legitimate businesses can thrive without the unfair competition posed by illegal trade.”
Looking ahead, Oramalugo, expressed a firm commitment to sustaining and improving these achievements, saying that, “We will continue to facilitate legitimate trade, which directly contributes to economic growth, while ensuring the integrity of our anti-smuggling operations.”
He also mentioned plans to implement new training programmes for officers, pointing out that, “By building capacity and equipping our personnel with modern skills, we can better confront emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency.”
Dr. Oramalugo informed, however, the newsmen that about the handover of fake pharmaceutical drugs valued at N596,856,500.00 to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
“This is part of our responsibility to safeguard public health and ensure that dangerous substances do not reach consumers.”
“Additionally, 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, with a DPV of N46,935,000.00, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).”
“These actions reflect our policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation as we continue to tackle the challenges posed by illegal trade,” he remarked.
In their respective remarks, the Director of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Southwest zone, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, and the acting Principal Staff Officer Operations and Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sam-Abogunrin Olatunji, affirmed their commitment to supporting Customs in its efforts.
They expressed their readiness to enhance collaboration in surveillance and enforcement activities, ensuring a united front against illegal trade and protecting public health and safety in the community.
