The Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Command, said it collected the sum of N2bn as revenue in February.
The Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Joseph Adelaja, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Adelaja added that within the period under review, the sum of N165m was generated from anti-smuggling activities.
He said, “Within the 22 days of my assumption of duty, significant milestones were recorded both in the area of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities. The sum of N2bn was generated as revenue in February.”
Adelaja also added that the command intercepted bags of foreign parboiled rice, and cannabis sativa, among others, worth N486m within 17 days.
“Within the last 17 days, the command recorded a significant seizure of foreign parboiled rice, cannabis sativa, used tyres, used clothes, used shoes, and used compressors with a duty-paid value of N468m,” he said.
Adelaja attributed the achievement to effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the command to accomplish yet another milestone.
Giving details of the seizures, he stressed that 2,030 bags of foreign rice valued at N223m and 28 bales of used clothes worth N20m were among the seized contrabands.
“Others include one bale of used shoes, worth N420,000; 28 pieces of used refrigerator compressors worth N1.7m; eight used air-condition compressors valued at N252,000; 167 pieces of used tyres worth N16m; 167 litres of premium motor spirit worth N4.5m; and 660 kg of cannabis sativa valued at N21.7m. The duty-paid value of all the seized contrabands was N468m,” he said.
He mentioned that the seized bags of rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks.
“Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items,” he said.
Adelaja highlighted that the illegal activities not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
The CAC pointed out that the command has continued to intensify its efforts in the area of anti-smuggling by ensuring compliance with the Service’s regulations in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
He warned that the command would not leave any stone unturned in enforcing necessary compliance against smugglers who engage in illegal activities.
Adelaja emphasised that the command remains resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, “as we would not relent on our efforts to curb these unlawful acts.”
He urged relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities.