Nigeria Customs Oyo/Osun Command Achieves Major Milestones in Revenue Collection and Anti-Smuggling Operations

Nigeria Customs Oyo/Osun Command Achieves Major Milestones in Revenue Collection and Anti-Smuggling Operations

Ibadan, Nigeria – October 30, 2024*

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command has reported significant achievements in revenue generation and anti-smuggling efforts for the third quarter of 2024. At a press briefing held on October 30, 2024, at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller, shared updates on the Command’s performance amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.

**Impressive Revenue Collection Figures**

Dr. Oramalugo announced that the Command generated an impressive revenue of ₦23.97 billion for the third quarter of 2024. This figure reflects a 27.5% increase over the ₦17.38 billion collected during the same period in 2023. The cumulative revenue from January to September 2024 reached ₦56.66 billion, marking a 7.85% increase compared to the ₦52.21 billion collected in the corresponding period last year.

The Customs Area Controller attributed these achievements to streamlined processes enabled by NICIS II technology, increased compliance from stakeholders, and effective monitoring by Customs officers. Revenue from excise duties collected from factories within the Command's jurisdiction also contributed significantly to the total revenue.

**Enhanced Anti-Smuggling Operations**

Highlighting the Command’s anti-smuggling operations, Dr. Oramalugo emphasized the Command’s intensified border patrols and intelligence-driven strategies. Between August 30 and October 29, 2024, the Command made 31 successful interceptions, seizing contraband goods valued at ₦755.9 million. Key seizures included:

- 433 bags of foreign parboiled rice (₦41.57 million)

- 61 bales and 10 sacks of second-hand clothing (₦54.6 million)

- 93 used tyres (₦8.93 million)

- 744.9kg of cannabis (₦46.94 million)

- 8,850 liters of petroleum (₦7.01 million)

- Fake pharmaceuticals, including various drugs with a combined Duty Paid Value of ₦596.86 million.

The seized fake pharmaceuticals will be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), while the cannabis will be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

**Collaboration and Community Engagement**

The Oyo/Osun Command has strengthened its collaboration with local communities, law enforcement, and other Customs units to foster effective anti-smuggling operations. Dr. Oramalugo noted that public engagement and sensitization programs conducted by Command officers have encouraged community support in the fight against smuggling, with residents providing timely information that helps disrupt illicit trade.

**Commitment to National Stability**

In closing, Dr. Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, and the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for their continued support. He also commended the officers and stakeholders involved for their dedication to the Command's mission. Dr. Oramalugo urged the public to support the Command's efforts by reporting smuggling activities, contributing to economic stability, and fostering an environment where legitimate trade can flourish.

The Oyo/Osun Area Command remains dedicated to securing Nigeria’s borders, boosting revenue generation, and supporting the country’s economic development.