…Celebrates Major Anti-Smuggling Successes
By Aminat Umar
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo, has recorded remarkable achievements in 2024, setting new benchmarks in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations.
In a press briefing held in Ibadan, Dr. Oramalugo detailed the Command’s success in strengthening the region’s economic stability and border security. Through innovative strategies and unwavering commitment, the Command has significantly boosted revenue collection while dismantling smuggling networks, safeguarding local industries, and fostering legitimate trade.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized the broader impact of these efforts, highlighting the protection of lives, promotion of economic growth, and enforcement of customs regulations to create a secure and thriving environment. The achievements of the Oyo/Osun Command stand as a testament to the transformative power of strategic leadership and a dedicated workforce in advancing Nigeria’s economic and security goals.
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved impressive milestones in revenue generation and anti-smuggling operations under the leadership of Dr. Ben Oramalugo.
In October and November 2024 alone, the Command collected N15.91 billion in revenue, reflecting a 33.57% increase compared to N11.91 billion during the same period in 2023. From January to November 2024, cumulative revenue reached a record-breaking N72.57 billion, a 13.17% growth over the N64.12 billion collected in the previous year.
“This remarkable performance highlights the dedication of our officers, strengthened enforcement of customs laws, and a commitment to trade facilitation. Through modern trade tools and transparency, we have effectively curbed revenue leakages,” Dr. Oramalugo stated.
In addition to revenue achievements, the Command intensified its anti-smuggling efforts, seizing prohibited items valued at N370.77 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) between October 30 and December 19, 2024. These efforts underscore the Command’s unwavering resolve to protect the economy, support legitimate trade, and enhance border security.
THE SEIZED ITEMS ARE:👇👇👇
110 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) valued at N9.68 million
4,000 packs of foreign macaroni worth N144 million
377 kegs (9,425 litres) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) worth N7.46 million
111 bales of second-hand clothing valued at N79.92 million
348 pieces of used tyres worth N33.41 million
Pharmaceuticals, including 50 cartons of chloroquine injection, worth N7.5 million
One DAF truck and one Canter vehicle, valued at N80 million and N8.8 million, respectively
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, has highlighted the far-reaching dangers of smuggling, emphasizing its detrimental effects on public health, local industries, and government revenue.
Speaking on the Command’s commitment to combating these threats, Dr. Oramalugo assured that all operations strictly adhere to the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the ECOWAS Common External Tariff regulations. He reaffirmed the Command’s dedication to upholding the law while promoting economic growth and trade facilitation.
Dr. Oramalugo also expressed gratitude to key stakeholders for their unwavering support. He commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their leadership, as well as Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, traditional rulers, and security agencies for their collaborative efforts in strengthening border security and fostering community trust.
This collective partnership, he noted, has been instrumental in advancing the Command’s mission to safeguard the economy and protect public welfare.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, announced a significant step in the fight against smuggling with the approval to transfer seized pharmaceuticals to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation. This move underscores the Command’s dedication to public health and its collaborative efforts with regulatory agencies.
As the festive season draws near, Dr. Oramalugo called on citizens to join the fight against economic sabotage by providing credible intelligence, adhering to trade laws, and rejecting illicit activities. He emphasized that a united front is essential to safeguarding the economy and ensuring a prosperous and secure environment for all.
These efforts, he noted, reflect the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, supporting legitimate trade, and fostering a culture of compliance and transparency.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo, the Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/Osun Area Command, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence in its operations. He highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect lives, bolster local industries, and drive economic prosperity, emphasizing the Command’s role in building a stronger, more secure Nigeria.
“Together, we will continue to build a more robust and prosperous Nigeria,” Dr. Oramalugo stated, expressing confidence in the collective efforts of stakeholders and the public.
As the year draws to a close, he extended heartfelt wishes for a joyous festive season and a prosperous new year, urging all to remain steadfast in supporting the fight against smuggling and economic sabotage.
