Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service in its continous move towards achievimg the Service mandate of curbing smuggling activities along the border corridor, has yielded remarkable achievements through the collective efforts and unwavering dedication to duty of its officers and men.
The Command, through its concerted efforts and strategic operations generated an impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of the year 2024, representing about 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.
Addressing the press at Abeokuta on the achievement recorded by the Command for the second quarter of 2024, the Customs Area Conyroller (CAC), Comptroller James Ojo disclosed that the Command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%. An achievement which he said to be a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of his officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Command meet and exceed its revenue targets.
Comptroller Ojo added that its an indicative of the Commands unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of the nation.
He disclosed that the success recorded by the Command aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr fniia psc(+), who has championed the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation. “His visionary leadership and enabling support have been crucial in enhancing our capabilities and driving these impressive results” Comptroller Ojo said.
Speaking on the Command’s Anti-smuggling activities for the period under review, Comptroller Ojo hinted that the Commands enforcement activities led to interceptions of various prohibited goods.
He listed the seized items to include; 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.
Other seized items are 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.
Speaking on the adverse effect of the seized items on human lives and the economy, the Command boss said ‘These seizures are not just numbers; they represent our relentless fight against smuggling and our determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders.
“Recall that during my maiden press briefing held on 9 May 2024, I highlighted the adverse effects of smuggled cannabis sativa and foreign-used pneumatic tires on the citizenry, and these include the following:
Cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana or Indian hemp, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It has a devastating effect on the lives of its consumers, especially our youths.
“The rise in its abuse is of great concern within Nigerian society and a threat to our national security, due to its potential influence on criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
“Foreign-used Pneumatic Tires, more commonly known as Tokunbo tires, are ring-shaped protective coverings made of rubber and filled with compressed air, typically used in foreign countries and shipped into the country after use overseas. These tires are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates.
“According to safety experts, good-quality pneumatic tires are safe for use for only four years from the date of manufacturing. Any usage beyond this duration poses a significant risk to motorists and puts their lives in jeopardy.
“It is pertinent to also state the health implications of consuming smuggled frozen poultry products. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted” Comptroller Ojo stated.
He highlighted some of the potential health risks of consuming the smuggled frozen products to include; chemical contamination as smuggled poultry often lacks proper regulatory oversight, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being used for preservation. These chemicals, he said can include formaldehyde and other preservatives and can be toxic if ingested, potentially causing acute and chronic health issues, including poisoning, cancer, and organ damage.
Other health risk he highlighted are Foodborne Illnesses., Antibiotic Resistance, Nutritional Deficiencies, Allergic Reactions and can strain public health systems due to increased incidences of foodborne illnesses and other health complications. This can lead to higher healthcare costs and resource allocation challenges among others.
Comptroller Ojo added that the interceptions underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, collaboration, and the need for a united front in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes. “As we reflect on these achievements, it is essential to recognize that our success would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State.
“Your unwavering support, valuable insights, and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in our operations. It is in this spirit of collaboration that I embarked on a courtesy visit to our revered traditional rulers and security agencies.
“The purpose of these visits was to foster synergy and collaboration in combating smuggling and enhancing economic growth and national security.
“By working together, sharing intelligence, and leveraging our collective strengths, we can create a more secure and prosperous environment for our people. The support of our traditional rulers is invaluable, as they are the custodians of our cultural heritage and play a critical role in maintaining peace and order in our communities” he quipped.
While apprecuating the CGC for his enormous support and remarkable leadership qualities, he expressed his appreciation other sister security agencies for their partnership and unwavering commitment to duty.
