The Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigerian Custom Services, Dr. Ben Oramalugo (Phd. Cert Harvard FCIA FNIM), has reiterated the commitment of the command to work with all stakeholders, including the local communities, security agencies, leveraging on the use of modern technology to confront emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency and continue public sensitization campaigns to ensure that they achieve the command’s goals.
Dr. Oramalugo made the submission at a Media Press briefing of the command on the performance and milestones achieved by the command on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at the Operational Headquarters, Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to him, 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
He said the Oyo/Osun Command has embarked on proactive measures to confront the emerging threats and maximize operational efficiency and continue public sensitization campaigns to ensure that they achieve their goals.
Highlighting the significant achievements of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Oramalugo said the 3rd quarter of the year 2024, of the Oyo/Osun Area Command 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).
He said this reflects a 27.5% 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
“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% 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.
Dr Oramalugo who hinted further that the significant success recorded in the revenue collection was a remarkable achievement despite the current financial strains affecting businesses and citizens alike said: “The period has been critical for our nation, as we are all acutely aware of the economic challenges facing our country today. Rising inflation, high cost of living, and other financial hardships have impacted all citizens, making it essential for us to perform our duties with greater responsibility and commitment to sustaining national stability.
“Despite these challenges, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has remained focused on its twin mandate of revenue generation for the government and curbing the menace of smuggling and other illicit activities that undermine the economy.
” It is my privilege to update you on the key milestones that the Area Command has achieved in revenue generation for the third quarter of the year and anti-smuggling activities from August 30th, 2024 to October 29th, 2024.
Speaking on Revenue Generation Milestones, the Oyo/Osun Command NSC boss said: “In the face of current economic conditions, the Command has intensified its efforts in ensuring that every kobo due to the government is collected in accordance with the law.
” I am pleased to announce that for the 3rd quarter of the year 2024 the Oyo/Osun Area Command 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).
“This reflects a 27.5% 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
He said in streamlined Procedures, the Command’s enhanced use of technology, especially the NICIS II has allowed them to streamline their processes and increase transparency, adding that this has also led to improved compliance from the Commands stakeholders.
He added that the bulk of this 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.
“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.
According to him, In addition to revenue collection, the Oyo/Osun Area 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.
Dr. Oramalugo said In a bid to achieve set objectives, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service intensified its efforts in combating smuggling activities within their jurisdiction through curbing Illegal Cross-Border Activities saying,”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.
“The success of our anti-smuggling operations was 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.
According to him, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has deepened its collaboration with local communities and other security agencies, leading to more effective operations, adding that the initiated several community sensitization programmes through respective Patrol/Outstation Heads to educate members of the public about the dangers of smuggling and the benefits of supporting legal trade.
He said further that the 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, the 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.
These items include, Foreign Parboiled Rice, 433 (50Kg) Bag (₦41,568,000.00), 2. Second Hand Clothes, 61 Bales and 10 Sacks (₦54,600,000.00), Used Tyres, 93 Pieces (₦8,928,000.00), Cannabis Sativa, 49 Sacks weighing
744.9kg, (₦46,935,000.00), Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS)
(25 Litre Kegs), (Totaling: 8,850 Litres), ₦7,009,200.00.
Others are, Fake Pharmaceuticals
Analgin Injection (46 Cartons)
Amoxicillin Capsule 500mg (68 Sacks), Buscomac Tablet 10mg (3 Cartons), Juscopan tablets (6 Sacks), Chloramphenicol Tablet Bp 250mg (5 Sacks), Ampiclox Capsules 500mg (11 Sacks),
Arthromether Tablets (10 Sacks), Fulcin Tablets 500mg (2 Sack), Pentazocine Injection 30mg (13 packets) totaling
₦755,896,700.00
“I would like to point out that these operations not only safeguard our economy but also protected 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.
Dr Oramalugo said as the command navigate the prevailing economic hardships, they are more determined than ever to maintain their role as a vital contributor to Nigeria’s economic stability, saying that their duty is to ensure that the country’s borders are secure from illegal trade and that all revenue due to the government are collected efficiently.
He said in a bid to sustain and improve on these successes, the Command remains committed to improving its performance in all areas, including the facilitation of legitimate trade, which contributes directly to economic growth, and sustaining the integrity of its anti-smuggling operations.
“I would like to inform the Gentlemen of the press, that in accordance with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) of Consolidation, Collaboration and innovation; 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.
“Finally, I would like to urge members of the public to continue to support the Command’s efforts by providing timely information and cooperating with the Command to combat the challenges posed by smugglers and economic saboteurs in order to continually safeguard our borders, boost revenue generation, and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria”.
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