This represents a 5.2 per cent increase when compared to the sum of ₦29.15bn generated during the same period of the year 2023.

The Command also seized 504 wraps of cannabis sativa weighing with duty paid value of N15,814600. It also seized 600 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with a duty-paid value of N50,280,000. 274 (25 Litre Kegs) of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) with a duty-paid value of N5,521,500 was also seized in May. The Command also seized 123 Pieces of used tyres with a duty-paid value of N15,648,000. One Used Mercedes Truck with a duty-paid value of N30,000,000 was seized and one Used Nissan Caravan with a duty-paid value of N12,590,000 was seized in the month.

Speaking on the efforts made, the Oyo/Osun Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, described the increase as a testament to the dedication and efficiency of the officers in ensuring compliance and maximising revenue collection.

He said: “I would like to use this medium as always to express the Command’s profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his Management Team (MT) for the support that they have continually extended to the Command, to ensure the core mandates of the Service are achieved within Oyo and Osun States.

Dr. Oramalugo said that the Command’s efforts to educate various stakeholders within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) on the importance of adhering to customs regulations have paid off and that the Command has seen a significant reduction in under-declarations, contributing to the overall increase in revenue.

He said that the introduction of advanced technology solutions, such as the Nigeria Customs Service Modernization Project, has streamlined the Command’s processes and enhanced transparency, further boosting its revenue collection capabilities.

He remarked that in tandem with the Command’s revenue generation efforts, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has maintained a robust stance against smuggling activities within its jurisdiction and the Command Officers have remained vigilant and proactive in intercepting illicit goods and apprehending perpetrators.

He said, “The months of April, May, and some parts of June witnessed numerous successful operations resulting in the seizure of contraband items. For the period covering April 17 to June 13, 2024:

“I would like to inform members of the public that, in line with the policy thrust of the CGC and in the spirit of interagency collaboration, the Command has received approval to hand over the 546 wraps and another 33 sacks of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦21,128,260 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Oyo State Command. In the same vein, I would like to mention that approval was also received to auction the seizures of Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS) listed as part of our seizures due to their inflammable nature.

“I would like to reassure all stakeholders within the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AoR) that we recognize the grave implications of smuggling on national security, economic stability, and public health, and we remain resolute in our determination to combat this menace.

“As we navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape, all stakeholders can rest assured that the Oyo/Osun Area Command remains steadfast in its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Nigeria Customs Service Act.”