By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a revenue collection of N15,871,894,311.83 between May and July 2021, bringing the cumulative revenue collected for the 2021 fiscal year presently to N36,658,156,560.99.
The Command also collected an excise duty of N10,658,695,609.41 in the June; the highest ever collected in a month period from the command.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller AR Abdulkadir disclosed this during a press briefing at his command said that the command made 50 seizures and eight detentions, resulting in a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N66,976,000 in its anti-smuggling drive.
The seized items include: 3,200 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with CIF of N51,200,000; duty – N5,120,000 and DPV of N56,200,000.
740 pieces of tyres with CIF of N3,700,000; duty worth N740,000 and DPV of N4,440,000.
Seven bales of secondhand shoes with CIF of N210,000; duty of N42,000 and DPV of N252,000.
47 bales of secondhand clothing with CIF of N4,700,000, duty worth N940,000 and a DPV of N5,640,000.
Eight cartons of foreign tomato paste with CIF of N48,000, duty – N16,800 and DPV – N64,800.
15 cartons of foreign insecticide with CIF of N216,000; duty of N43,200 and DPV set at N259,200.
Within this period, the Command also made a seizure of 525 kegs of 25 litres each and two drums of 100 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) by the recently inaugurated PMS Task Force.
It said that upon approval from the headquarters, they would be auctioned and proceeds would be remitted accordingly and accounted for.
The two suspects arrested during this period have been granted bail pending determination of their cases.
The Compt. said that,
“These achievements were made possible by the dexterity of my officers, who have committed themselves to serving the Nation and making Oyo and Osun States better for the citizenry”.
He stated that due to the recent security challenges across the country, the command has sharpened its intelligence, revenue and enforcement capabilities to fight smuggling and enforce compliance with reference to extant laws guiding the procedures and rules of engagement.
In his statement, he said that Oyo/Osun Area Command has remained steadfast and committed to enforcing Government policies in contribution to the growth and socio- economic development of the Nation.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) has mandated that all laws, policies and directives of the Federal Government in increasing the economic potential and strengthening the political standing of Nigeria in the committee of Nations must be adhered to.
“Through this medium, I appeal to the companies engaged in mining operations of precious stones and other national mineral assets within Nigeria, to register their operations with the Nigeria Customs Service to avoid embarrassment and sanctions in accordance with relevant sections of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004.
He said “Comptroller General of Customs Col. Hammed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) mandated that all Laws, policies and directives of the Federal Government in increasing the Economic potential and strengthening the political standing of Nigeria in the committee of Nations be adhered to”.
“We urge the public to cooperate with the Nigeria Customs Service in the implementation of Government Fiscal Policies to help improve the Economic and Social welfare of the Nation.”
The Comptroller appreciated the Customs Intelligence Unit, Customs Police Unit, Joint Border Patrol Team, Federal Operations Unit and the Strike Force Team for their contributions and synergy in the course of discharging their duties.
To this effect, various special task forces were setup such as Operations Fish out, Excise Task Force, PMS Task Force and most recently, the Mining Task Force (MTF Team).. in accordance to Customs and Excise Management Act.(CEMA). Cap C45 LFN 2004” he added.
