The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, says it generated N34.2 million revenue in the state between April and May.
The Area Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde, made the disclosure at a news conference in Abeokuta on Tuesday, indicating that the command raked in the money following seizures made through strategic deployment of intelligence across the state.
He said, “The command wielded its big stick on unscrupulous traders who engaged in illicit trade during the period under review and was able to record spectacular seizures,” he said.
The Area Controller said the illicit goods seizures included three foreign used luxury buses which were being smuggled into the country through Ohumbe border on May 15.
He listed other items to include two Toyota Hiace buses, 2022 model, with chassis number JTHN9CPOP6018610 and JTGHN9CP7P6019835. They were also intercepted and seized by our eagle-eyed officers on a bush path along the Sawojo/Imasayi communities on May 29.
Others seizures recorded are 6,924 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each,which is equivalent to 11 trailer loads: PMS; Used Tyres: Cannabis Sativa and others prohibited items.
Makinde added that the total Duty Payable Value (DPV) of the seizures is N335,855,989.
Makinde explained that the command also generated the sum of N34.174,105,00 compared to N10,615,618,00 generated in the corresponding period in 2022, adding that there was a differential of N23,558,487,00, which is a significant increase of about 69 per cent.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to stick to its mandate through revenue generation and suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation.
Makinde urged the business community to avoid illicit trades and activities capable of adversely affecting the economy and reputation of the state.
He applauded the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, for creating enabling environment and vigorously implementing the anti-smuggling campaign of the service.
“I also want to commend the other sister security agencies for their maximum co-operation and team work towards fighting smuggling activities in the state,” he said.
Makinde commended its gallant officers and critical stakeholders of the service such as traditional rulers, community leaders and other youths for their collaboration.