The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated over 11 billion Naira in revenue for the Federal Government within a period of 10 months. The Comptroller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, made this announcement. The revenue was collected between September and October.
During this period, the command seized contraband items worth millions of Naira. These items included Cannabis Sativa weighing 777.5 kilograms, a Dane gun, 1,248 bags of parboiled rice, 425 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), 24 bales of used clothing, and 1 used bag. The seized contraband items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
The revenue generation and successful seizures of contraband items were attributed to the command’s commitment to trade facilitation, enforcement of Customs laws, and fostering a conducive business environment. The command has implemented various measures to simplify customs processes and reduce bureaucracy within the system, promoting legitimate trade.
The Oyo/Osun Area Command expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of other security agencies such as the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Air Force, Department of State Services, NDLEA, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as Operation Burst. The command also acknowledged the support of the Oyo and Osun state governments in providing enabling environments for Customs officers and men to carry out their duties effectively.
Comptroller Ben Oramalugo warned individuals with nefarious intentions aimed at sabotaging the nation’s economic development to steer clear of the command’s coverage area. He emphasized that all available resources, in accordance with the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023, would be deployed to frustrate and bring economic saboteurs to justice.