The Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Ben Oramalugo, announced that the command generated a total of N15,911,581,116.72 billion in October and November, despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing held on Friday at the Area Command headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr. Oramalugo revealed that this revenue represents a 33.57% increase compared to the N11,912,219,301.19 billion collected during the same period in 2023.
In addition to revenue generation, the Area Command intercepted and seized prohibited goods worth N370,772,600 million between October 30 and December 19.A
Amongthe confiscated items were 4,000 packs of foreign macaroni valued at N144 million, 110 bags of 50-kg foreign parboiled rice worth N9.68 million, 377 25-litre kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) valued at N7.46 million, and 111 bales of used clothing worth N79.92 million.
Other seized items include 348 used tyres valued at N33.4 million, 50 cartons of banned 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.
Dr. Oramalugo highlighted the dangers posed by smugglers, noting that their activities not only compromise public health but also hinder the growth of local industries and deprive the government of vital revenue for infrastructure and development projects.
He emphasized that the seizures were made in strict compliance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET), underscoring that Customs officers are guided by legal provisions to protect national interests, uphold the law, and maintain the integrity of the nation’s borders.
Dr. Oramalugo reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing federal government fiscal policies, generating revenue, and combating smuggling activities that threaten the nation’s economy and security.
He added that the Comptroller General of Customs, B.A. Adeniyi, had directed the Command to hand over the seized pharmaceutical items to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation.
The Controller urged the public to continue supporting Customs by providing credible intelligence, adhering to trade laws, and rejecting any form of economic sabotage.
