In a demonstration of resilience, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, on 13 June 2024, at the operational headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, announced significant milestones in revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, during a press briefing, stated that the Command generated N6,335,842,600 for May 2024. 

According to the CAC, cumulatively, when added to the revenue generated from January to April 2024, the sum of N30,664,247,939.15 has been generated from January to May 2024. This represents a 5.2% increase compared to the N29,154,853,722.73 generated during the same period in 2023.

He noted that in its anti-smuggling operations, the Command witnessed numerous successful operations from April to June 2024, resulting in the seizure of several contraband items with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth N129,854,100.00. These items include 504 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 391.9 kg valued at N15,814,600.00, 600 bags (50 kg each) of foreign parboiled rice (1 trailer load) valued at N50,280,000.00, 274 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) of 25 litres each (6,850 litres in total) valued at N5,521,500.00, 123 pieces of used tyres valued at N15,648,000.00, one used Mercedes-Benz truck valued at N30,000,000.00, and one used Nissan caravan valued at N12,590,000.00.

Furthermore, he informed the public that, in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and the spirit of interagency collaboration, the Command had received approval to hand over the 546 wraps and 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa confiscated to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command. He also stated that the Command plans to auction seized PMS due to its flammability.

Comptroller Oramalugo reiterated his stance against the worsening illegitimate trade activities plaguing the nation, appreciating the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command for their unwavering support, efforts, and proactiveness in hunting down perpetrators. He acknowledged their valuable contributions to the command's success.

“In tandem with our revenue generation efforts, 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, the officers have remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and apprehending perpetrators,” he said. He also commended the officers for their commitment to duty and professionalism.

He highlighted the awareness campaigns the Command has been conducting for its stakeholders, which have yielded significant results, and the introduction of advanced technology solutions in its operations.

“Our efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) on the importance of adhering to customs regulations have paid off. We have seen a significant reduction in under-declarations, contributing to the overall increase in revenue. The introduction of advanced technology solutions, such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernisation Project, has streamlined our processes and enhanced transparency, further boosting our revenue collection capabilities.