By Christopher Oji
The Ogun Customs Area Command has generated the sum of N93,301,130.00 from import duties, auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and scrap vehicles seized from smugglers between January and June 2023.
This was disclosed yesterday by the Command’s Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde during a press briefing at Idiroko, Ogun State
Makinde noted that a comparative analysis of the Command’s performance during the period under review and the corresponding period of 2022, indicates a significant increase in revenue collection.
He further said, “the revenue generated from January to June last year was N29,940,146.50, compared to this year’s revenue of N93,301,130.00 which is about 310% increase.”
In curbing smuggling, the command during the period under review made a total seizure of 392 items which comprises 5,048 pieces of Used tyres; 390 bales of used clothing; 61 Units of vehicles, including 5 luxury buses; 173,975 litres of PMS (an equivalent of 5 tanker loads); 107 sacks and1,595 wraps of cannabis sativa; 167 cartons of 100x100ml and 27 cartons of 200x100ml codeine syrup; and 22,526 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each (which is an equivalent of 37 trailer loads), among others.
“We remain resolute in our fight against smuggling of rice and other prohibited items in order to encourage local production in line with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) policy on local rice production.
“The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods is N1,313,628,488,” he said.
The Controller who hailed operatives of the command for their resilient effort in tackling smugglers, said, “While waging war against die-hard smugglers, we urged them to embrace legitimate trade and steer clear of smuggling and other nefarious activities that are inimical to the economic development of our dear nation. We encouraged compliant traders by operating an open door policy and creating an enabling environment for trade to thrive.
“As part of our Stakeholders’ engagement, we maintained a robust synergy with our sister security agencies and cordial community relations with our host communities. Recall that I mentioned in our press briefing of 6th April, 2023, that the Command, under the auspices of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), laid the foundation of 4 units of classrooms for the Customs primary and nursery schools. I am pleased to inform you that the class rooms are at the roofing stage and will soon be completed. Recall also that I mentioned in our press briefing of 15 March 2023, that the Command collaborated with Integration Art Palace and Tour in collaboration to organize a 3-day Art for Economic Development programme tagged “Nigeria Customs Service Enabling a Secure Border Trade”.