Ogun Customs Generates Over N13m, seizes over 2,000 bags of foreign rice

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it generated over N13 million and made seizure of 2,113 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each in the month of July.

The command under the undaunted leadership of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Bamidele Makinde disclosed that the revenue was generated from baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

In a release made available to Nation Update through the Command’s Public Relations Officer(PRO), Suprintendent of Customs(SC) Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, said the feat is achieved on the sideline of the firm commitment of the controller to effective revenue generation, trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling.

“In the month of July, 2023, the Command generated a sum of N13,370,229.00 as revenue, from baggage assessment and proceeds from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The CAC commends the compliant travelers for their honesty and patriotism which made part of the generated revenue a reality.

“In the area of anti-smuggling activities, the Command made a seizure of 2,113 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each, 21 units of vehicles (means of conveyance & Tokunbo), 17,950 litres of PMS and 1,416 pieces of used tyres among others. The seizures were made from different locations across Ogun State and were mainly intelligence-driven. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items is N106,757,592.00.

“The CAC wishes to enlighten the general public that the Command’s activities in Ogun State conform with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Various sections and subsections of the Act empower Customs’ operatives to carry out patrol freely in the exercise of their duties in enforcing Customs & Excise Laws, making seizures/detention, and arrest of suspects in connection with smuggling activities.

“The Act also prescribes various punishments on trade-related matters. Examples of such are obstruction of officers, hindrance, molestation or assaults on officers while on lawful duty as well as preventing seizure of items, or arrest of a suspect which attracts a fine of N5,000,000.00, imprisonment for 5 years or both.

“Comptroller Makinde on behalf of the Officers and Men of Ogun 1 Command thanked the Ag Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) and members of his entourage on the occasion of his visit to the Command on Sunday, 6th August, 2023.

“He described the visit as an encouragement to officers and a morale booster. He assured the CGC of sustaining and improving the performance tempo of the Command.

“The CAC also used the avenue to commend officers and men on their immense contributions to the laudable achievements of the Command. He consequently charged them to remain resolute in the discharge of their duties, which must be done with courtesy without loss of dignity.

“As the Command’s stakeholders’ engagement continues to be brought to bear, the Controller appreciated the practical presence of our critical stakeholders, such as Heads of sister agencies; security agencies from Igolo; Secretary General Inter-border forum and clearing agents, during the visit of the Ag CGC. He thanked them for the warm reception accorded him.

“The CAC applauded the traditional rulers in the Ipokia Local Government Area, community leaders, youths and other members of Idiroko and Ipokia communities for the warm reception given to the Ag CGC when he visited the Palaces of Oniko of Ikolaje and Onipokia of Ipokia to pay homage and courtesy visit.

“He, on a final note, appreciated the gentlemen of the press for their usual objectivity in their news reportage,” the statement read