Zonal Coordinator of Customs Visits Oyo/Osun Command, Commends Performance in Revenue Generation and Anti-Smuggling Efforts

Zonal Coordinator of Customs Visits Oyo/Osun Command, Commends Performance in Revenue Generation and Anti-Smuggling Efforts

*Oyo State, Nigeria – 25th September 2024*

Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) SA Yusuf, Zonal Coordinator of Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), paid a one-day working visit to the operational headquarters of the Oyo/Osun Area Command on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to assess the Command's operational efficiency and review its recent performance.

Upon arrival, ACG Yusuf was warmly welcomed by the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM, along with senior officers, representatives from sister security agencies, and key stakeholders from excise factories within the two states. 

During the visit, Dr. Oramalugo presented an overview of the Command’s achievements, particularly in revenue collection, anti-smuggling efforts, and trade facilitation initiatives. He disclosed that between January and August 2024, the Command generated a total of ₦45.78 billion in revenue, representing 32.3% of the Command’s annual revenue target of ₦141.68 billion. The revenue was collected primarily from excise factories including British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), Nigerian Breweries, International Breweries, Nigerian Bottling Company, Seven-Up Bottling Company, and Fan Milk Nigeria Limited.

Dr. Oramalugo also praised the efforts of his officers, attributing the Command's successes to their dedication, technological innovations in customs processes, and enhanced compliance by stakeholders, despite the current economic challenges. 

In terms of anti-smuggling operations, the Controller reported that the Command had made significant seizures, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦3.46 billion. He emphasized the Command's continuous efforts to curb smuggling activities, despite challenges such as inadequate logistics and the need for improved surveillance equipment.

ACG Yusuf, in his address, commended the Oyo/Osun Area Command for its impressive performance in both revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts. He praised the leadership of Dr. Oramalugo and his team for their diligence in balancing revenue collection with enforcing anti-smuggling protocols, while ensuring trade facilitation. He urged officers to maintain their high standards and continue contributing to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.

ACG Yusuf also encouraged the officers to seek continuous professional development, adapt to new technologies, and stay vigilant in their duties. He assured the Command of the Zonal Headquarters’ ongoing support in addressing the operational challenges they face, particularly in enhancing logistics and surveillance capabilities.

The visit concluded with a commitment from the Customs leadership to strengthen collaboration with other security agencies and maintain the momentum in enhancing customs operations in the region.

Akaninyene Edeminam

Superintendent of Customs  

Zonal Public Relations Officer, Zone A  

September 26, 2024