Oyo/Osun Customs generates N48.7b, sizes drugs, contraband worth N713m

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command has declared ₦48,743,215,625.64 billion it generated between January and August 2024 which signifies 2.74% increase when compared to the sum of ₦47,408,251,086.73 billion it generated in 2023.

Controller of the command Dr. Ben Oramalugo, who stated this on Friday revealed that between 1st August to 23 August 2024 the Command generated the sum of ₦4,767,776,213.37 billion.

Revealed that when added to the ₦13,311,191,473.12 billion it generated between June and July it has generated a total of N18, 078, 967, 686.49 billion from June to August 2024.

Giving the breakdown at the Command’s headquarters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oramalugo disclosed that the area command intercepted 2,448 wraps of Cannabis sativa and 2,667 used tyres in two and half months.

Other seized items according to Oramalugo include a used Mazda car, 2,183 bags of 50 Kilogrammes of foreign rice, 753 kegs and 94 drums of petrol and 24 bales of used clothing estimated the total Duty Paid Value of N713,150,400 million for the month under review.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adeniyi, he revealed has given the approval for the cannabis to be handed over to the state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and the drums and kegs of petrol due to its inflammable nature be auctioned.

Oramalugo while spotlighting the activities of the command, expressed delight at the remarkable success achieved in revenue collection despite the unfavorable prevailing economic realities that has influenced business decisions in the jurisdiction.

He further took an exception, the continuous consumption of hard drugs by some youths he said was not helping the fight against insecurity in the nation, said a every hands must be on deck to put a stop to it from festering.

Other items intercepted by the command were cannabis sativa, they found the wraps concealed under 200 sacks of sawdust in a DAF truck, DAF trucks valued at N50.8 million; a used pickup truck worth N7.7 million and a used Mazda 626 car valued at N3.6 million.

Oremalugo stated, “This improved revenue performance can be attributed to several factors including enhanced monitoring and enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and technological advancements.

“I would like to point out that a bid to tackle the ever-evolving tactics of smugglers the Command is presently adopting various technological innovations, as well as strengthen our collaboration with other security agencies.
He revealed, “These seizures represent a significant blow to smugglers and a win for lawful trade and economic stability,” he stated.

The controller further extended his warmest appreciation to the governor of Oyo state Engr. Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers in both Oyo and Osun States, sister security agencies, sister units of the customs service and other stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.

Oramalugo therefore restated, “As we move forward, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service in all our operations. We would continue to leverage technology and innovative practices in line with the new NCS Act of 2023 to further enhance our operations and deliver on our mandate.”