Compyroller Abdulkadir AR, addressing news men
The Oyo/ Osun Command of Nigeria Customs Services said it has generated the sum of ₦15,890,489,479.26 (Fifteen Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety Million, Four
Hundred and Eighty-Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Naira, Twenty-Six Kobo) between 1st of February to 30th of
April 2021.
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This figure is said to be the cumulative of import duty from bonded terminals, excise duty from factories under the excise net, auction fees and all other ancillary charges into both federation and non-federation accounts.
Addressing news men on Thursday at the Commands headquarter in Ibadan, the Customs Area Controller, Adamu R. Abdulkadir said that another enforcement team has been added to the initial “Operation Fish Out” team inaugurated by the Command to further enhance its anti-smuggling capabilities by taking the battle to smugglers den through tactical raids and interceptions of smuggled items through borders.
He stated that the new proficient team that has been set up codenamed the “Excise Task Force” to manage the Excise Factories extensively and widen the dragnet to infuse factories that have qualified to be enlisted under the Customs and Excise Control.
The developments, he said has further improved the performance and achievement of the Command on Revenue and Enforcement procedures, which have enable the Command to carried out its enforcement and anti-smuggling activities with utmost professionalism, caution and intelligence gathering
Speaking on the state of the economy and boarder area, Comptroller Abdulkadir said “We urge the public to cooperate with the Nigeria Customs Service in the implementation of Government Fiscal Policies to help improve the Economic and Social welfare of the Nation.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Ibrahim Hameed Ali (Rtd.) has directed more stringent measures to further strengthen the interception capabilities of customs officers in corroboration with the extant laws and regulations guiding import/export procedures of the country while reiterating that the Oyo and Osun States Borders remain closed to any form of inward or outward trade.
“To ensure effectiveness and efficiency of service, we visited sister agencies, our
Outstations/Outposts and Patrol Bases including the Traditional Rulers of these
towns, such as Aiyegun, Igbojaiye (Ilero), Eruwa, Igbeti, Saki, Kisi, Iseyin, Ipapo,
Okaka, Ago-Are, Oshogbo, to mention but a few to sensitize and seek the cooperation of all in playing a part in the socio-economic development and security architecture of the states.
“It has been a difficult time for the Nation but in the midst of this, there are some
unscrupulous elements who are still trying to derail the effort of the service in meeting up to its target and we have been dealing with them decisively” he added.
Speaking on the Command anti- smuggling activities, the Command boss states “Notwithstanding the aforementioned, it is my pleasure to inform you that we have not lost sight of the very important function of the fight against smuggling. We have sharpened our intelligence, re-strategized, created new patrol teams and drawn a more robust Area of Responsibility (AOR) chart to help combat these illicit activities.
“In line with Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 LFN 2004 (CEMA) which guides the operations of the service, we have conducted our duties with professionalism and efficiency.
“We invoke sections 147 and 151 of the CEMA with the power to search premises
for uncustom goods and power to give rewards to informants who give genuine
intelligence to help improve the capabilities of the command on anti-smuggling duties.
“Sections 158 and 167 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004 empower Customs officers to patrol freely across the nation and makes provision for detentions, seizures and condemnation of goods.
“For those who are used to blocking or attacking our officers, preventing them from making required arrests and seizures in your communities, be rest assured that we shall fish you out and prosecute you under Section 11 of the CEMA Cap C45 LFN 2004” he said.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you once again to the Headquarters of the
Oyo/Osun Customs Area Command for another press briefing in the wake of the
security challenges to showcase the achievements of the Command from 1
February 2021 to 31 April 2021.
He however highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling achievement within the same period under review to include: 3,311 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice with duty paid value of N88,309,324.00, 487 kegs of 25liters each of Premium Motor Spirit with duty paid value of N2,906,775.00, 221 cartons of Imported dry fish with duty paid value of N20,427,291.00 with additional 9 sacks of same in dpv of N10,971.00 and 9 sacks of Cannabis Sativa with duty paid value of N1,440,180.00.
Others are 6 bales of used shoes with duty paid value of N288,294.00, 138 (10 ltr) gallons of Vegetable Oil with duty paid value of N1,903,710.00 with 572 (2.5 ltr) gallons in dpv of N2,367,222.00, 21 bales of secondhand clothing’s with duty paid value of N4,945,020.00 and 1 unit of used DAF Truck with duty paid value of N11,878,529.00 making a total of N134,477,316.00.
He attributed the huge seizures to the unrelenting efforts of his officers, support of the services and other stakeholders. In his words “Our officers and men at the Oyo/Osun Area Command have shown professionalism, zeal and experience in the gallant discharge of their duties. They are key to the success showcased today. They weather the storm vigilantly to ensure that the mandate of the CGC is upheld.
“I want to appreciate the collaboration of the Customs Intelligence Unit, Border Drill, Strike Force, Federal Operations Unit and other sister agencies in carrying out the anti-smuggling activities.
“I will also like to acknowledged the cooperation of the traditional rulers, community leaders, stakeholders and the good people of Oyo and Osun states in identifying and providing enabling environment for the officers to function properly.
“I must pour encomium on His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde for his magnanimity and support in the donation of 2 units of JAC LHD 4×4 Pic-Up to enhance our operations in keeping the borders safe. The Service appreciate you” he quipped.
