The Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr Ben Oramalugo has said that a sum of N15,911,581,116.72 billion was generated in October and November, in spite of prevailing economic conditions in the nation.
The Controller stated this on Friday at a press briefing held at the Area Command headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The generated revenue represents 33.57 percent increase in comparison with N11,912,219,301.19 billion collected in 2023.
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Aside, from revenue collection, the Area Command also intercepted and seized prohibited items worth N370,772,600 million between October 30 and December 19.
The seized items include 4,000 packs of foreign Macaroni worth N144 million, 110 50-kg foreign parboiled rice with a duty-paid value of N9.68 million, 377 25-liter kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) with a duty-paid value of N7.46 million and 111 bales of used clothing worth N79.92 million.
Other seized items are 348 pieces of used tyres with a duty-paid value of N33.4 million, 50 cartons of banned and unlicensed chloroquine injections worth N7.5 million, a DAF truck worth N80 million, and a Mitsubishi Canter vehicle with a duty-paid value of N8.8 million.
The Controller spoke on the danger posed by the activities of the smugglers which he said: “not only compromise public health but also stifle growth of local industries and deprive the government of much-needed revenue for infrastructure and development projects.”
He stated that the seizures were made in strict adherence to the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), adding that the legal provisions enshrined in the books of authority guide officers’ activities, reinforce the mandate to protect national interests, uphold the law and maintain the integrity of the nation’s borders.
Dr Oramalugo emphasised the steadfastness of the command in enforcing the federal government fiscal policies, generating revenue, and combating smuggling activities that threaten the nation’s economy and security.
He said that the accomplishments achieved by the Oyo/Osun Area Command underscore its unwavering commitment to safeguarding citizens’ lives, protecting local industries, ensuring compliance with Customs laws, and supporting Nigeria’s economic stability.
He disclosed that the Comptroller General of Customs, B. A Adeniyi has given directive to the Command to handover the seized pharmaceutical items or the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control for further investigation.
The Area Controller urged the general public to keep supporting Customs by providing credible intelligence, complying with trade laws, and rejecting any form of economic sabotage.