During the months of April and May, the Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service achieved a significant feat by generating a total revenue of N34,174,105.00.
The Command’s Controller, Comptroller Bamidele Makinde, shared this impressive achievement during a recent press briefing held in Ogun state.
The Command’s core objectives, which encompass revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, and trade facilitation, were highlighted by Comptroller Makinde while stressing the importance of informing the public about the command’s accomplishments in fulfilling these mandates.
He emphasized the command’s unwavering commitment to revenue generation, which resulted in the outstanding performance during the review period.
The generated revenue of N34,174,105.00 showcased a substantial increase of approximately 69% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, 2022, when revenue generation amounted to N10,615,618.00.
This significant growth demonstrates the command’s dedication to surpassing targets and making a substantial contribution to the national economy.
Trade facilitation was another area where the Ogun 1 Area Command excelled. Comptroller Makinde mentioned that the command actively engaged compliant traders through consultations and deliberations led by the Deputy Controller (Revenue). By fostering collaboration with traders, the command facilitated smoother and more efficient trade processes.
In the suppression of smuggling activities, Comptroller Makinde highlighted the command’s vigilance, which led to several successful seizures of illicit goods.
Noteworthy instances include the interception of three foreign used luxury buses being smuggled through the Ohumbe border on May 15, 2023. Additionally, on May 29, 2023, eagle-eyed officers seized two 2022 model Toyota Hiace buses along a bush path between Sawojo and Imasayi communities.
The command also confiscated 6,924 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to 11 trailer loads, along with other prohibited items such as PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), used tyres, and cannabis sativa.
The total Duty Payable Value (DPV) of these seizures amounted to N335,855,989.00.