Oyo/Osun Customs Makes Remarkable Achievements In Revenue Collection

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By Asuquo Nuwak

Oyo/Osun Customs Makes Remarkable Achievements In Revenue Collection

•••Collects N2, 048, 487, 969.00 billion

•••Seizes items worth N165, 387, 000.00

Despite the challenging economic downturn facing the country and in line with its core mandate of revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, under the exceptional leadership of Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaya, has collected the sum of N2, 048, 487, 969. 00 billion as revenue covering the period of 1 February 2025

He said these remarkable achievements is made possible through the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and cooperation of officers and men of the command.

He said, he is highly impressed by their commitment and the level of support they have extended, which has significantly contributed to the successes recorded so far, despite the challenging economic downturn facing the nation.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaya, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing on the revenue generated and seizures recorded by the command at the operational Headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo state.

He noted that the revenue collected reflects the diligence and efficiency of officers and men of the command in ensuring compliance with extant customs laws and policies.

According to him, the Oyo/Osun Area Command, has significantly reduced tax evasion through the adoption of advanced technology, such as the deployment of improved data analytics, which has enabled the command to monitor trade flows and identify discrepancies effectively.

In the area of suppression of smuggling, which undermines national security and economic growth, he said the Oyo/Osun Area Command has made significant strides in curbing smuggling activities, safeguarding the nation’s economy, and protecting local industries from harmful effects of illicit trade.

He said within two weeks of his assumption of duty, the command has intercepted and seized several high-profile smuggling consignments, including the seizure of foreign rice, second hand clothing, premium motor spirit and used tyres, with
a Duty Paid Value of ₦165,387,000.00

He announced that the interception and seizure of these prohibited and uncustomed items have prevented the illegal inflow of products that undermine local industries, particularly rice farmers and manufacturers in the region.

Similarly, the interception of prohibited foreign parboiled rice has led to the increase in production and consumption of the local rice in Oyo and Osun State respectively.

The breakdown of the seized consignments included
1043 bags (50 kg) of foreign parboiled rice with a Duty Paid Value of
₦114,730,000.00k; 452 pieces of used tyres with a Duty Paid Value of
₦43,392,000.00k;
2 bales of used clothes with a Duty Paid Value of
₦1,440,000.00k; 233 Kegs (25 Litres) of premium motor spirit with a Duty Paid Value of
₦5,825,000.00k with a total Duty Paid Value of ₦165,387,000.00k for all the seiszed items.

In a bid to enhance border monitoring, he said the command has intensified its surveillance of key entry points and transit routes within the Oyo/Osun region. He said through a combination of physical inspections, surveillance technology, and intelligence sharing with other security agencies, the command’s anti-smuggling operations have been strengthened through increased collaboration with other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Immigration Service.

He further noted that these partnerships have facilitated the exchange of intelligence and allowed the joint operations to dismantle smuggling networks operating in the region

Comptroller Adelaya disclosed that the command will further prioritize the sensitization of the members of the public to raise awareness about the negative impact of smuggling on the economy and the well-being of the nation.

Comptroller Adelaya believes that through media engagements and outreach programs, the command would empower the local communities with the basic knowledge and tools required to report smuggling activities. This initiative would equip the members of the public about the activities of the Nigeria Customs Service in order to support the fight against illegal trade.

Comptroller Adelaya noted that the economic downturn facing Nigeria has created a number of challenges for the Service, particularly in the areas of revenue collection and the prevention of smuggling.

Aside from this, he said the low level of importation, fluctuating exchange rates, and inflation have all contributed to the economic challenges being faced. In addition, he said, however that the command has responded strategically to these challenges, ensuring that the command remains resolute on its mission.

Apart from this, he said, despite the current economic constraints, the Oyo/Osun Area Command has demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in adapting to the changing environment.

He said through efficient management of resources, improved coordination of officers, and strategic partnerships, the command has mitigated the impact of the economic downturn.

Furthermore, he said by recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach, the command has also further prioritized the engagement with excise factories and other stakeholders to ensure the continuity of operations and a steady flow of revenue.

This approach, according to Comptroller Adelaya, also focused on building a strong relationship with the stakeholders and to ensure that the command maintain trust and cooperation even in this challenging time.

At the end of the maiden press briefing, he said the Oyo/Osun Area Command in the past 22 days has experienced nothing short of uncommon transformation, despite the economic downturn, the command has recorded significant revenue milestones and has made commendable progress in its anti-smuggling efforts.

He appreciated the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR fnipr psc+ and his management team in ensuring that the officers and men of the command are well equipped to perform their primary duties.

He seized the opportunity to appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde, for providing an enabling environment for officers and men of Customs Area Command Oyo/Osun, to perform their duties within the state, and the unwavering supports, and cooperation enjoyed from the traditional rulers, would not be taken for granted.

He also sincerely appreciated the sister security agencies within the states for their collaboration and commitment to ensuring we succeed in performing our duties.

He further appreciated distinguished members of the press for their resilience and commitment in the dissemination of information to the members of the public about the activities of the command.

Above all, he stated that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to contributing to the nation’s development, securing the borders, and ensuring that the Nigeria Customs Service continues to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth.