Joseph Bakare
Despite the current economic conditions, the Oyo/Osun area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service after intensifying its efforts in ensuring revenue collection successfully generated successfully generated a total revenue of ₦23,974,543,014.49 (Twenty-Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty-Three Thousand, and Fourteen Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo) in the 3rd quarter of the year 2024.
This reflects a 27.5 per cent increase over the sum of ₦17,377,387,591.90 (Seventeen Billion, Three Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-One Naira, Ninety Kobo) generated in the corresponding period of 2023, underscoring the Command’s commitment to efficient revenue collection through improved compliance, enforcement, and monitoring
Speaking with the media, the Commands Area Controller, Dr, Ben Oramalugo, said cumulatively, for the period covering January to September 2024 the Command has generated the sum of ₦56,656,828,685.30 (Fifty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Niara, Thirty Kobo).
This also reflects a 7.85 per cent increase when compared to the sum of ₦52,206,458,966.50 (Fifty-Two Billion, Two Hundred and Six Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six Niara, Fifty Kobo) generated in the corresponding period of January to September 2023.
The significant success recorded in revenue collection is a remarkable achievement despite the current financial strains affecting businesses and citizens alike.
He attributed the successes to the Command’s enhanced use of technology, especially the NICIS II has allowed us to streamline our processes and increase transparency. This has also led to improved compliance from the Commands stakeholders.
The bulk of the revenue came from legitimate production activities by excise factories within the Commands Area of Responsibility and Command officers have ensured thorough documentation checks to avoid any revenue leakages.
Oramalugo said, “I would like to state that the revenue generated reflects the resilience and dedication of Command officers in ensuring strict compliance with customs laws and regulations while facilitating legitimate trade. We recognize the pivotal role we play in the nation’s economic recovery and we are committed to continuing this upward trajectory in revenue generation.”
In addition to revenue collection, the Command has prioritized its anti-smuggling operations, particularly during these challenging times when illicit trade poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of law-abiding citizens and the economy at large.
In a bid to achieve set objectives, Oramalugo said the Command has intensified its efforts in combating smuggling activities within its jurisdiction through Curbing Illegal Cross-Border Activities.
“Our intensified border patrols along the Oyo and Osun axis has significantly disrupted smuggling operations, with 31 successful interceptions of goods being smuggled through illegal routes.” he said.
On Intelligence-Driven Operations, Oramalugo said the success of the Commands anti-smuggling operations is largely due to the increased use of intelligence gathering and collaboration with local communities. We have strengthened our network of informants, which has been instrumental in identifying and neutralizing smuggling operations within the region.
The Command also deepened its collaboration with local communities and other security agencies, leading to more effective operations. We have initiated several community sensitization programs through respective Patrol/Outstation Heads to educate members of the public about the dangers of smuggling and the benefits of supporting legal trade.
This approach has not only reduced smuggling incidents but has also fostered greater cooperation between residents and the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service.
For the period August 30th, 2024 to October 29th, 2024 Command officers successfully intercepted and seized various contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦755,896,700.00 Seven Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira Only.
“I would like to point out that these operations not only safeguard our economy but also protect our local industries and create an environment where legitimate businesses can thrive. We understand the ripple effects of smuggling on the economy and the need to protect the interests of law-abiding citizens, especially in these trying times.
“As we navigate the prevailing economic hardships, we are more determined than ever to maintain our role as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic stability. Our duty is to ensure that the country’s borders are secure from illegal trade and that all revenue due to the government is collected efficiently.
In a bid to sustain and improve on these successes, the Command remains committed to improving our performance in all areas, including the facilitation of legitimate trade, which contributes directly to economic growth, and sustaining the integrity of our anti-smuggling operations.
“The Oyo/Osun Area Command will continue to work with all stakeholders, including the local communities, security agencies and traders, leverage on the use of modern technology, build capacity of her officers, so they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to confront emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency and continue public sensitization campaigns to ensure that we achieve our goals.” said the Controller.
He said the Command would be handing over fake pharmaceutical drugs with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦596,856,500.00k (Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only) to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as 49 sacks of Cannabis Sativa with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of (₦46,935,000.00k) Forty-Six Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Five Thousand Naira Only to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“I would like to use this medium as always to express the Command’s profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) and his Management Team for the support that they have continually extended to the Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.
“I would also like to extend my profound gratitude to His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, Traditional Rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, Sister Security Agencies, Sister Units of the Customs Service, all officers of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their tireless dedication to duty and other Stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration in making these achievements possible. Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate.” he added.