…Auctions seized petrol to members of the public
…Rakes in N30.6 billion between January and May 2024
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS has recorded some successful anti-smuggling operations resulting in the seizure of contraband items.
The command, within the period covering 17th April, 2024 and 13th May, 2024, intercepted contraband items valued at the sum of One Hundred and Twenty Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, One Hundred Naira (N129,854,100.00).
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo who disclosed this at a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan on Thursday, gave the breakdown of the intercepted goods to include 504 wraps of Cannabis Sativa weighing 391.9kg valued at Fifteen Million, Eight Hundred and Fourteenth Thousand, Six Hundred Naira (15,814,600.00).
Others include 600 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice which is equivalent of one trailer load with a Duty Paid Value, DPV of Fifty Million, Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N50,280,000.00), 274 kegs (25ltrs) of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS popularly known as petrol totalling 6,850 litres with a Duty Paid Value, DPV of Five Million, Five Hundred and Twenty One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (5,521,500.00), 123 pieces of used tyres valued at Fifteen Million, Six Hundred and Forty Eight Thousand Naira (N15,648,000.00), 1 used Mercedes Truck valued at Thirty Million Naira (N30,000,000.00) and 1 used Nissan Caravan worth Twelve Million, Five Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira (N12,590,000.00).
Oramalugo, however, informed that in line with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the command had received approval to hand over the 546 wraps and another 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth Twenty-One Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Naira (N21,128,260:00k) to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Oyo State Command.
“In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received prior to this press briefing to auction the seized Petroleum Motor Spirit, PMS listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature.
“I will like to reassure all stakeholders within the command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR), that we recognize the grave implications of smuggling on national security, economic stability, public health and we remain resolute in our determination to combat this menace.
“Through collaboration with relevant stakeholders,intelligence-driven operations coupled with enhanced surveillance along our borders and the deployment of advanced technology, we will continue to demonstrate exemplary professionalism, to ensure a safer and more prosperous future for all Nigerians”, the CAC said.
On revenue collection, the Controller maintained that despite the economic headwinds encountered for most parts of the second quarter of 2024, the command had demonstrated much resilience and had successfully collected the sum of Six Billion, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred Naira (N6,335,842,600.28) for the month of May 2024.
According to him, “Cumulatively, when added to the revenue generated for the months of January to April 2024, the sum of Thirty Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-Four Million, Two Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty-Nine Naira; Fifteen Kobo (N30,664,247,939.15) has been collected as revenue for the period of January to May 2024.
“This represents a 5.2 % increase, when compared to the sum of Twenty-Nine Billion, One Hundred and Fifty-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy- Three Kobo (N29,154,853,722.73) collected during the same period of the year 2023. The increase is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of our Officers in ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue collection.
“However, I will like to point out that the command still has a herculean task ahead, as the command’s revenue target is set at One Hundred and Forty-One Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Million, and Twelve Thousand, Three Hundred and Ninety-Six Naira, Eighty-Four Kobo (N141,682,012,396.84).”
Speaking on compliance, Dr. Oramalugo posited that the command’s efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) on the importance of adhering to customs regulations had paid off saying, “We have seen a significant reduction in under-declarations, contributing to the overall increase in revenue.”
He further revealed that the introduction of advanced technology solutions, such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernization Project, had streamlined the processes and enhanced transparency, further boosting their revenue collection capabilities.
He, thereafter, extended his appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, sister security agencies and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration adding, “Together, we will build on our successes and overcome the challenges ahead as we strive to fulfill our mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act.”
“I would like to use this medium as always to express the Command’s profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) BA Adeniyi MFR fnipr psc (+) and his Management Team for the support that they have continually extended to the Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.
“I will also like to commend the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Officers and Men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command in achieving commendable results during the period under review in the year 2024. Their commitment to duty and professionalism amidst challenging circumstances is truly commendable.
“As we navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape, all stakeholders can be rest assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act. We will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that our operations remain effective in the face of evolving challenges.”
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