The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, says it generated a revenue of N72.56 billion between Jan. and Nov. 2024.

The area controller,  Ben Oramalugo, made the disclosure in Ibadan on Friday while briefing journalists on the achievements of the command in the period under review.

Mr Oramalugo said the revenue generated in the period represented a significant increase of 13.17 per cent when compared to the N64.12 billion generated within the same period in 2023.

According to him, the achievements testify to officers’ diligence, enhanced enforcement of customs laws and improved trade facilitation measures.

He said the command had strengthened compliance among excise stakeholders and ensured leakages were effectively curtailed.

The controller said the revenue collected contributed significantly to national development and support of the federal government’s economic agenda.

“In addition to revenue collection duties, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has intensified its efforts in safeguarding lives and protecting local industries.

“The anti-smuggling operation strategies have already been deployed as the festive season approaches and will leave no stone unturned to safeguard the lives of citizens, facilitate legitimate trade, secure local industries and ensure compliance with the laws,” he said.

The controller said the command, between Oct. 30 to Dec. 19, intercepted prohibited items with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N370.77 million.

He listed the seized items to include 110 bags of 50kg each of foreign rice; 400 packs of foreign macaroni and 377 litres of petrol of 25 litres each.

Others are 111 bales of second-hand clothing, 348 pieces of used tyres, 50 cartons of banned Chloroquine injections, one DAF truck and one canter means of conveyance.

Mr Oramalugo said the dangers posed by smuggling activities could not be overstated.

“They not only compromise revenue for infrastructure and development but also stifle the growth of local industries,” he said.

The controller said the command would, however, continue to strive to ensure that smuggling activities do not survive in the area and ensure that people live in peace and harmony.

He commended NCS Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, for his support to the command as well as for the several awards given to the command.

Mr Oramalugo also commended Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, traditional rulers and other sister security agencies for their support.

He urged the public to continue to support the command, adding that it remained committed to upholding transparency and accountability.

 (NAN)