By Ajibola Adedoye
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the sum of ₦2,048,487,969.00 (Two billion and forty-eight million, four hundred and eight seven thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) as the revenue generated from 1 February to 27 February 2025.
Compt. Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, the Customs Area Controller of the Command who made this known on Friday, February 28, 2025, in his maiden press briefing at the Operational Headquarters in Ibadan noted that “this revenue collected reflects the diligence and efficiency of our Officers and men in ensuring compliance with extant Customs laws and policies.”
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According to him, “The Oyo/Osun Area Command has significantly reduced tax evasion through the adoption of advanced technology, such as the deployment of improved data analytics, which has enabled the Command to monitor trade flows and identify discrepancies effectively.”
He said “One of the core mandates of the Nigeria Customs Service is the suppression of smuggling, which undermines national security and economic growth. The Oyo/Osun Area Command has made significant strides in curbing smuggling activities, safeguarding the nation’s economy, and protecting local industries from the harmful effects of illicit trade.
“Within 2 weeks of my assumption of duty, the Command has intercepted and seized several high-profile smuggling consignments, including the seizure of foreign Rice, Second-hand clothing, Premium Motor Spirit and used tyres. These seizures have a duty paid valued of ₦165,387,000.00k (One and sixty-five million, Three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only).
“The interception and seizure of these prohibited and uncustomed items have prevented the illegal inflow of products that undermine local industries, particularly rice farmers and manufacturers in the region.
“On this note, the interception of prohibited foreign parboiled rice has led to the increase in production and consumption of the local rice in Oyo and Osun State respectively. The Command in a bid to enhance border monitoring has intensified its surveillance of key entry points and transit routes within the Oyo/Osun region. Through a combination of physical inspections, surveillance technology, and intelligence sharing with other security agencies. The Command’s Anti-smuggling operations have been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“These partnerships have facilitated the exchange of intelligence and allowed the joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region.
“The Command will further prioritize the sensitization of the members of the public to raise awareness about the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and the well-being of the nation” he assured.
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