Oyo/Osun Customs Command Records Historic Revenue Collection, Anti-Smuggling Milestones – Dr. Oramalugo Bids Farewell

Ibadan, Nigeria – February 5, 2025 – The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oyo/Osun Area Command has recorded its highest-ever revenue collection, generating ₦82.19 billion in 2024, marking a 15.3% increase from 2023. This was disclosed by the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, during his final press briefing at the Command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan.

Dr. Oramalugo, who has been redeployed to another command, highlighted the Command’s achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and trade facilitation during his tenure.

Record-Breaking Revenue Performance

In 2024, the Command collected ₦82,193,426,334.10k, surpassing the ₦71.29 billion recorded in 2023. Despite economic challenges, this represents the highest revenue collected in the Command’s history.

For January 2025 alone, the Command generated ₦7.8 billion, an increase of 10.1% and 14.3% compared to January 2023 (₦7.08 billion) and January 2024 (₦6.82 billion), respectively.

Dr. Oramalugo attributed the revenue growth to strategic initiatives, improved compliance, and the use of technology, including the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II).

Major Anti-Smuggling Breakthroughs

The Command also recorded significant successes in anti-smuggling operations, seizing contraband worth ₦5.38 billion in duty-paid value in 2024—a staggering 1,091.14% increase from ₦451.48 million in 2023.

Between December 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025, the Command intercepted smuggled goods worth ₦202.78 million, including:

• 170 bags of foreign rice (₦14.96 million)
• 1,667 pieces of used tyres (₦160.03 million)
• 32 bales and 4 sacks of used clothes (₦23.04 million and ₦2.88 million, respectively)
• 2 sacks of used shoes (₦1.08 million)
• 40 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (₦792,000)

Dr. Oramalugo emphasized that these efforts were aimed at protecting the Nigerian economy, preventing the influx of substandard goods, and ensuring national security.

Collaboration and Acknowledgments

The outgoing Customs boss commended the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Comptroller-General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, and the NCS management team for their support. He also appreciated security agencies, business stakeholders, and the media for their collaboration in achieving the Command’s milestones.

"As I move on to my next assignment, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my officers and men for their dedication and professionalism. The successes we achieved were possible because of our collective commitment," Dr. Oramalugo stated.

He reaffirmed the Customs Service’s commitment to enhancing trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security in Nigeria.