The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it generated a total of N5,664,295,751.15 revenue for the month of February and increased vigilance to end illegal importation of goods into the country.
The Controller of the Command, Dr Ben Oramalugo revealed that the Command revealed this at the Oyo/Osun Area Command Operational Headquarters where he gave account of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities of the Command for the month of February, particularly in light of the ongoing food security and economic challenges facing the nation.
Dr. Oramalugo in line with policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs which are consolidation, collaboration and innovation coupled with core mandate of the Service, the Command put in place mechanisms that will improve the efficiency of its operations.
Giving account of revenue generated, he said: “Despite the prevailing economic challenges, Command Officers have worked diligently to ensure the collection of customs duties and taxes in accordance with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. The revenuegenerated thus far reflects the Command’s commitment to contributing towards the economic stability of our nation.
“During the period covering February 1, 2024 February 27, 2024, the Oyo/Osun Area Command collected the sum of ₦5,664,295,751.15. When added to the sum of ₦6,824,954,338.96 already collected for the period of January 2024, the cumulative sum of N12,489,250,090.11 was collected so far for the fiscal year of 2024.
on anti-smuggling activities, he said: “The Command’s anti-smuggling activities have been strategically positioned to ensure the Federal Government policy on border closure is totally enforced hereby preventing. We have successfully intercepted and seized contraband goods, including items that pose threats to economic stability and lives of citizens in the country.
For the period of January 19 to February 29, 2024, the Command has intercepted and seized 345 of 50kg foreign Parboiled Rice worth N24,218,000, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N5,728,500, Four wraps of 4kg of Indian Hemp worth N126,000.
He added that the Command also seized 1309 used tyres worth N70,140,000; used 45 sacks clothings worth N32,400,000; eight sacks of shoes worth N10,320,000.
The Command also seized 34 cartons of fake foreign wine worth N6,231,206, pharmaceutical products and others.
“The highlights of the seizures so far for this period in 2024 are: 1,309 of used tyre with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N70,140,000; 53 sacks of fake pharmaceutical drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,739,000,000.
“In light of the ongoing economic difficulties, we are committed to facilitating trade in essential commodities and supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance food security. Once again we would like to reiterate that all borders within the Commands area of responsibility are still closed due to the Federal Government policy on border closure and as such Command officers remain vigilant and dedicated to preventing the smuggling of items that could compromise the health and well-being of our citizens.
“As we navigate the uncertainties of the current economic climate, the Oyo/Osun Area Command is dedicated to adopting innovative strategies and leveraging technology to enhance our operational efficiency.
“We would like to express our profound gratitude to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde for his magnanimity and support to the Command. We believe that with the collaborative effort of all stakeholders, together we will continue to uphold the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service and contribute to the economic growth and security of our great nation.
