Customs at Oyo/Osun Command boosts FG’s revenue with N15.9bn

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Seizes dangerous drugs, petrol, 3,311 bags of foreign rice, other items worth N134.5million

*As Compt Abdulkadir inaugurates Excise Task Force

(Report by Udeme Clement):

The Oyo/Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has boosted the income-flow of Federal Government, with huge revenue collection of N15,890,489,479.26 (approximately N15.9 billion).

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller A. R. ABDULKADIR, disclosed this during a press conference, adding that the revenue was generated within a short period of two months, from February 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021.

He explained: “This figure is the cumulative of import duty from bonded terminals, excise duty from factories under the excise net, auction fees and all other ancillary charges into both federation and non-federation accounts”.

On anti-smuggling feats recorded within the same period, the CAC said: “The Command inaugurated “Operation Fish Out” team to further enhance anti-smuggling capabilities by taking the battle to smugglers den through tactical raids and interceptions of smuggled items through our borders.
“The seizures made included 3,311 bags of foreign rice; 487kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as Petrol; 221 cartons of imported fish; 9 sacks of Cannabis sativa (dangerous drugs): 6 sacks of used shoes; 138 gallons of vegetable oil; more 572 gallons of vegetable oil; 21 bales of secondhand clothes; among other items”.

Comptroller ABDULKADIR, went on:
“Now, another proficient team known as; “Excise Task Force” has been set up to manage the Excise Factories extensively and widen the dragnet to infuse factories qualified to be enlisted under the Customs and Excise Control.”

He pointed out: “These developments further improved the performance and achievements of the Command on Revenue and Enforcement procedures. We carried out our enforcement and anti-smuggling activities with utmost professionalism, caution and intelligence gathering. We urge the public to cooperate with Customs on implementation of government Fiscal Policies to improve the nation’s economy.”

He informed: “The Comptroller-General of Customs – CGC Ibrahim Hameed Ali, has directed more stringent measures to further strengthen the interception capabilities of Customs officers in corroboration with extant laws and regulations guiding
import/export procedures of the country.

“Oyo and Osun States Borders remain closed to any form of inward or outward trade. To ensure effectiveness and efficiency of service, we visited sister agencies, our Outstations/Outposts and Patrol Bases including the Traditional Rulers of these towns, such as Aiyegun, Igbojaiye (Ilero), Eruwa, Igbeti, Saki, Kisi, Iseyin, Ipapo, Okaka, Ago-Are, Oshogbo, to mention but a few, to sensitize and seek the cooperation of all in playing a part in socio-economic development and security architecture of the States.”

His words: “It has been a difficult time for the Nation but in the midst of this, there are some unscrupulous elements still trying to derail the effort of the Service in meeting up its target and we have been dealing with them decisively. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have not lost sight of the very important function of the fight against smuggling. We have sharpened our intelligence, re-strategised, created new patrol teams and more robust Area of Responsibility (AOR) to combat these illicit activities.

“In line with Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 (CEMA), which guides the operations of the Service, we have conducted our duties with professionalism and efficiency. We invoked sections 147 and 151 of the CEMA, with the power to search premises for uncustom goods and power to give rewards to informants, who give genuine intelligence to help improve the capabilities of the Command on anti-smuggling duties.

“Sections 158 and 167 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004 empower Customs officers to patrol freely across the nation and make provision for detentions, seizures and condemnation of goods. For those blocking or attacking our officers, preventing them from making required arrests and seizures in the communities, be rest assured that we shall fish them out and prosecute them in accordance with Section 11 of the CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004.

“Our officers and men at Oyo/Osun Command have shown professionalism, zeal and experience in gallant discharge of their duties. They are key to the success showcased today. They weathered the storm vigilantly to ensure that the mandate of the CGC is upheld.

“I also want to appreciate the collaboration of Customs Intelligence Unit, Border Drill, Strike Force, Federal Operations Unit and other sister agencies in carrying out the anti-smuggling activities.

“We also acknowledge the cooperation of traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and the good people of Oyo and Osun States in identifying and providing enabling environment for our officers to function properly.”

The CAC also commended Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, for his magnanimity and support in donating 2 units of JAC LHD 4×4 Pic-Up to enhance their operations in keeping the borders safe.”