Compt Makinde Makes N1.3bn Seizures at Ogun 1 Customs Command

Compt Makinde Makes N1.3bn Seizures at Ogun 1 Customs Command

…Says CGC Adeniyi’s Appointment as Customs Boss is Well deserved

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Ogun 1 Area Command, Compt Bamidele Makinde, and his enforcement officers have valiantly protected the nation’s economy at Idiroko, the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic, thwarting nefarious activities of smugglers within the border communities.

Their efforts have yielded positive result, as the Command recorded seizures worth over N1.3billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) in half year of 2023.

Compt Makinde revealed these details during a press conference at Idiroko.

He informed :  “During the period under review, we made a total seizure of 392 items comprising 5,048 used tyres; 390 bales of used clothings; 61 units of vehicles, including five luxury buses; 173,975 litres of PMS (an equivalent of five tanker loads); 107 sacks and 1,595 wraps of cannabis sativa; 167 cartons of 100x100ml and 27 cartons of 200x100ml codeine syrup; 22,526 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each (which is an equivalent of 37 trailer loads), among others.

“We remain resolute in the fight against smuggling of rice and
other prohibited items, in order to encourage local production, in line with the policy of Federal
Government on local rice production. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods is
N1,313,628,488”.

Also, the Command generated N93,301,130.00 revenue from import duties; auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and scrap vehicles seized from smugglers. A comparative analysis of the Command’s performance during the period under review and corresponding period of 2022, indicates a significant increase of 310% in revenue collection from N29,940,146.50 realised the same period in 2022.

The Area Controller went on :
“The Command was able to make these achievements due to the following steps: continuous stakeholder’s engagement with management; deployment of intelligence in all operations across the state; improved discipline and total dedication to duty by Officers of the Command.

“While waging war against die-hard smugglers, we urged them to embrace legitimate trade, stop smuggling and other nefarious activities that are inimical to economic development of our dear nation.

“We encourage compliant traders by operating an open door policy and creating an enabling environment for trade to thrive.”

The CAC continued : “As part of our Stakeholders’ engagement, we maintained a robust synergy with other sister security agencies and cordial relationship with our host communities.”

He added:  “Recall that I mentioned in our press briefing of April 6, 2023, that
the Command, under the auspices of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), laid foundation of four units of classrooms for Customs primary and nursery schools. I am pleased to inform you that the classrooms are at the roofing stage and will soon be completed.

” Recall also that I mentioned in our press briefing of March 15, 2023, that the Command collaborated with Integration Art Palace and Tour to organise a 3-day Art for Economic Development programme, tagged Nigeria Customs Service Enabling a Secure Border Trade.

“That programme was part of the Command’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with the objective of promoting trade through artworks exhibited by artisans and secondary school students within Idiroko border communities and its environs.”

He said : “Let me use this forum to congratulate our amiable Ag. CGC, BA Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc(+) on his well-deserved appointment.

“We wish him a successful
tenure and we are hopeful of his immense support that will enhance our performance. I commend the gallantry of Officers and Men of the Command, because without their highly commendable efforts, we would not be holding this press briefing to showcase our immense achievements.

“May I also express my profound gratitude to our critical stakeholders, members of the press, other security agencies, community leaders and traditional rulers for their continuous collaborative efforts with the Service while carrying out our statutory mandate in the State.”