The Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Ben Oramalugo, on Friday, listed his administration’s accomplishments in the 16 months he served, saying that it was able to generate N82,193,426,334.20 billion as revenue for the federal government in 2024.
Comptroller Oramalugo also spoke on the command’s anti-smuggling activities in the same year, saying that it intercepted and seized uncustomed commodities valued at N5,377,759,260 billion.
In a farewell press briefing held at the area command headquarters at Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Oramalugo, who has been redeployed to Seme Area Command, said that the revenue milestone was achieved through the successful implementation of many strategic initiatives aimed at increasing compliance and streamlining procedures.
Disclosing the amount generated in 2024 as the largest since the inception of the Command, the Area Controller said it is 15.3 percent higher than that of 2023, which was N71,292,530,398.17 billion.
He stated further that for January 2025, the Area Command collected N7,804,408,775.88 billion as revenue, which signified 10.1 percent and 14.3 percent when compared to the sums of N7,088,191,138.30 billion and N6,824,954,338.96 billion collected in the first month of 2023 and 2024 respectively.
He noted that “the command was able to reduce delays, boost efficiency and facilitate trade while collecting proper duties by utilizing technology such as the Nigeria Integrated Customs System (NICIS II) and taking a proactive approach in addressing legitimate traders’ problems.”
Dr Oramalugo said that the achievements represented the hard work and dedication of the officers and men under his leadership, as well as collaboration with stakeholders in the business community, in-depth strategic enforcement and improved compliance in spite of severe economic obstacles encountered.
On intercepted and seized smuggled goods, the Area Controller said that the duty paid value in 2024 represents 1,091.14 percent increase, compared to that of 2023 which was N451,479,759 million.
He stated further that between December 20, 2024 and January 31, 2025, the command seized smuggled goods with a duty-paid value of N202.784 million.
The contraband goods seized in January include 170 50-kg bags of foreign parboiled rice worth N14.960 million, 1667 pieces of used tyres with a duty-paid value of N160.032 million and two sacks of used shoes worth N1.080 million.
Others are 32 bales and four sacks of used clothes with a duty-paid value of N23.040 million and N2.880 million respectively, and 40 kegs of 25-litre Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) worth N792,000.
“As we carried out these anti-smuggling operations, we also remained focused on protecting the interests of local manufacturers and industries.
“Our efforts ensured that cheaper, substandard and harmful goods were kept out of our markets, thereby giving local producers an opportunity to thrive, and ensuring the health and safety of our citizens,” the Area Controller remarked.
He added that the Area Command took steps to reach local communities and raise awareness about the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on national development.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adeniyi; the Governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde; other security agencies and the business community for their unwavering support and collaboration which helped the area command to succeed during his administration.
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