Outstanding performance : Oyo/Osun Customs rakes in over N39.9billion * Records N636million seizures * Arrests 20 suspects

Outstanding performance : Oyo/Osun Customs rakes in over N39.9billion

* Records N636million seizures

* Arrests 20 suspects

*Items include massive seizures of rice, petrol, fertilizer, vehicles, others

By Udeme Clement :

The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service under the watch of Compt Uche Ngozi, as the Customs Area Controller (CAC), has made outstanding performance in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling drive.

The Command raked in a whopping sum of over N39.9billion from January to September, 2020, notwithstanding the ravaging effect of COVID-19 in the country and the critical stage of economic recovery.

This huge amount represents revenue increase of 33.3 percent when compared to what the Command realised the same period in 2019.

Also, the N39.9billion collected so far is out of the total target of N62.8billion allotted to the Command for 2020 fiscal year.

Compt Uche Ngozi, disclosed these details while briefing Journalists on the activities of the Command from July 21 to October 10, 2020.

She revealed, “From July 2020 till date, the Command made detentions and seizures which include 265 kegs of petrol; a truck loaded with 600 bags of fertilizer intercepted at Igbeti axis of Oyo State; another 800 bags of fertilizer converted to seizure after failure to provide End-User-Certificate from office of National Security Adviser; after 90 days of grace. The Duty Paid Value is N18.7million.

“Other seizures include 2270 bags of foreign rice, with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N96million; rice concealed in 26 kegs worth N530,692; 14 sacks containing 28 bags of rice concealed with sawdust- worth N1.2million; 20 kegs of vegetable oil- with DPV of N219,420; 60 bales of secondhand clothes with DPV of N11.5million; 314 units of used tyres worth N3.6million. The means of conveyance are
23 units of vehicles, as well as motorcycles worth millions of naira.”

Compt Ngozi, who took journalists round to see the seized items informed, “The total DPV for the period under review (July 21-October 10), is N152.8million, with 25 detentions and 43 seizures”.

She analysed, “The cumulative DPV from January to October 10, 2020, is over N636million, which represents 102.4 percent increase when compared to N314.2 million recorded the same period in 2019.”

The CAC enthused, “These feats were made possible by the resilient and vigilant officers of our Command, some of whom are on transfer to other formations. Their gallantry efforts and experience are really appreciated.

“I acknowledge the contributions and collaboration of other units such as Customs Intelligence Unit-CIU; Federal Operations Unit-FOU; Strike Force; Customs Police, Border Drill; Valuation Unit; ICT Unit; Anti-Money Laundering/CFT Unit, Anti-Corruption Unit and other sister agencies, to the success being showcased periodically.

“I equally acknowledge the cooperation of Traditional Rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and the good people of Oyo and Osun States”.

That was not all.
The Command swiftly arrested 20 suspects in connection with the seized items.

On the whole, Compt Ngozi commended CGC Hameed Ali for his ingenuity in repositioning the Service for greater efficiency.

Observation at the Command :
During the press conference, our reporter observed that Compt Ngozi and her team made massive seizures. Seized items were seen everywhere at the Command, from the backside of the main gate to the inner-side of the parade ground, seizures were everywhere. Also many seized items were equally displayed at the Customs barracks.
The exercise, which began early in the morning ended by 3.pm, with the CAC talking tough and warning economic saboteurs to desist from nefarious activities.