By: Olalekan Adisa
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has generated a total of ₦6,335,842,600.28k (Six Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira); for the month of May 2024.
Addressing newsmen at the headquarters of the command in Ibadan on Thursday 13th the Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo stated that cumulatively, when added to the revenue generated for the months of January to April 2024, the sum of ₦30,664,247,939.15k (Thirty Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Nine Naira; Fifteen Kobo) has been generated as revenue for the period of January to May 2024.
According to the Controller, this represents a 5.2 % increase, when compared to the sum of ₦29,154,853,722.73k (Twenty-Nine Billion, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy- Three Kobo) generated during the same period of the year 2023.
Compt. Oramalugo also announced that the command intercepted 546 wraps and another 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦21,128,260:00k (Twenty-One Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira) and a quantity of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) . He noted that despite the economic headwinds encountered for most parts of the second quarter of 2024, the Command demonstrated much resilience as the increase in generated revenue is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the officers in ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
The controller however, pointed out that the command still has a herculean task ahead, as the command’s revenue target is set at ₦141,682,012,396.84 (One Hundred and Forty-One Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Eighty-Four Kobo).
Dr. Oramalugo reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating smuggling, emphasizing the adverse effects on national security, economic stability, and public health. Through intelligence-driven operations, enhanced surveillance, and advanced technology deployment, the Command aims to maintain exemplary professionalism and ensure a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
Dr. Oramalugo expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) and his management team for their continued support.
He also thanked the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde FNSE, sister security agencies, and other stakeholders for their collaboration. He listed items of the seizures made from 17th April, 2024 to 13th June 2024 which is worth a Duty Paid Value of N129,854,100 and stated that over 546 wraps and 33 sacks of Canabis Sativa were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA).
In addition were Petroleum Motor Spirit to be auctioned.
”The Oyo/Osun Area Command has maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within our jurisdiction. Despite the economic hardships that often exacerbate smuggling tendencies, Command Officers have remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and apprehending perpetrators”.
Commending the dedication of the Command’s officers, Dr. Oramalugo assured stakeholders of the Command’s unwavering commitment to its mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act. He emphasized the need for continued adaptation and innovation to overcome future challenges.
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