…Marks Significant Anti-Smuggling Wins
By Nkechi Eze
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved outstanding success in revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts this year, as announced by its Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo. Under his leadership, the Command has made significant strides in boosting revenue collection and combating smuggling activities, thereby strengthening the region’s economic stability and border security.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, highlighted the Command’s achievements in protecting lives, supporting local industries, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth during a press briefing in Ibadan. He emphasized the Command’s efforts in safeguarding the community, promoting legitimate trade, and enforcing customs regulations to ensure a secure and prosperous environment.
Dr Oramalugo revealed that the Command collected a total revenue of N15.91 billion in October and November 2024, a 33.57% increase compared to the N11.91 billion collected during the same period in 2023.
Cumulatively, from January to November 2024, the Command generated N72.57 billion, marking a 13.17% growth compared to the N64.12 billion collected in the same period last year.
“This achievement underscores the diligence of our officers, the enhanced enforcement of customs laws, and our commitment to trade facilitation. By adopting modern trade tools and promoting transparency, we have significantly curbed revenue leakages,” he stated.
The Command also reported notable successes in its anti-smuggling operations, which resulted in the interception of prohibited items worth N370.77 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) between October 30 and December 19, 2024.
The seized items are:
110 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) valued at N9.68 million
4,000 packs of foreign macaroni worth N144 million
377 kegs (9,425 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N7.46 million
111 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N79.92 million
348 pieces of used tyres worth N33.41 million
Pharmaceuticals, including 50 cartons of chloroquine injection, worth N7.5 million
One DAF truck and one Canter vehicle, valued at N80 million and N8.8 million, respectively
While emphasizing on the risks smuggling activities pose to public health, he also noted that it stifles local industries, and deprives the government of revenue.
He Dr Oramalugo assured that all operations were conducted in compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff regulations.
Acknowledging the support of stakeholders, he thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team, as well as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, traditional rulers, and security agencies for their invaluable contributions.
He also announced that the Command had received approval to hand over seized pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation, reflecting the Command’s commitment to collaboration and public health.
As the festive season approaches, Dr Oramalugo urged citizens to support the NCS by providing credible intelligence, complying with trade laws, and rejecting economic sabotage.
He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and excellence, aiming to protect lives, foster local industry growth, and ensure economic prosperity.
“Together, we will continue to build a more robust and prosperous Nigeria,” and concluded, wishing stakeholders a joyous festive season and a prosperous new year.
