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.

Nigeria Customs Service, Port Terminal Multiservices Limited ( PTML) Command has recorded a total revenue of N152,648,517,532.05 between the period of January and June 2024.

The amount collected represents 49.7% increase above the N101,981,098,502.07 collected same period of 2023.

The Customs Area Controller of the command,Comptroller Tenny Daniyan disclosed that the 2024 half year collection is N50,667,419,029.98 higher than previous year’s figures in the corresponding period.

Comptroller Daniyan expressed confidence that the command will generate more revenue in the second half of the year and also charged officers to sustain the precedence of diligent cargo examination.

The CAC urged examination and releasing officers to always apply diligence, responsibility and higher level of security consciousness in the course of handling any import or export cargo passing through the command.

While reiterating the recent charge of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR on all officers to shun any form of compromise in the discharge of their duties, Comptroller Daniyan said national security is the bedrock of a thriving economy as no serious economic growth can be witnessed where there is insecurity.

He said arms and ammunition in the hands of non state actors puts the country in danger and illicit drugs have been globally noted as a fueling factor for many unlawful behaviours .

The Area Controller who reiterated that the two hour cargo clearance time for compliant Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) cargoes is still in place as the command is stepping up on trade facilitation in line with the time release study thrust of the CGC.

He also advised terminal operators, importers , exporters, licensed customs agents , freight forwarders and all stakeholders in the port system to keep themselves abreast with government import and export prohibition directive.

Speaking against the background of recent arms, ammunition and illicit drug discoveries in some other commands across the country,Comptroller Daniyan warned that no one found to be involved in such illegal activities will be spared from the wrath of law.

“I want to urge all Customs officers in PTML to always insist on cargo examination like we have always done. You are hereby placed on red alert to keep doing the right thing as importers of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs have shown more desperation in recent times

” Let us continue to make PTML a no go area for perpetrators of such illegalities and be ready to make seizures of such items including effecting arrests of persons suspected to be involved with such activities.

“I strongly believe we will do more with revenue collection and trade facilitation in the second half of 2024 as we continually improve on our level of service delivery and diligent implementation of all government directives.

“We are not going to sacrifice national security on the altar of trade facilitation. Both will run side by side. None will suffer for the other” Comptroller Daniyan said.

In other to foster sustainable collaboration and synergy in enhancing economic growth and security along Nigeria’s borders with the Republic of Benin through intelligence sharing and collaborative anti-smuggling operations, the Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller James Ojo has recently paid courtesy visit to the Alake of Egbaland, other esteemed traditional rulers, and sister security agencies in Ogun State.

According to a press statement made available by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Hammed Oloyede, Comptroller Ojo met with the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo CFR, and other revered traditional rulers in Ogun State.

He expressed deep appreciation for their unwavering support and emphasized the crucial role traditional rulers play in maintaining peace, order, and security within their communities.

The statement reads that’s Comptroller Ojo highlighted the importance of leveraging the traditional institutions’ influence and insights to enhance border security and combat smuggling activities effectively.

The CAC visit also included fruitful discussions with sister security agencies in Ogun State. These engagements underscored the need for continuous and robust collaboration among security agencies to address the challenges posed by smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

It states that by sharing intelligence, resources, and expertise, the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies can create a formidable front against those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.

The courtesy visit aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs, who has emphasized the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.

He reiterated the commitment of the Ogun I Area Command to these principles, noting that such engagements are crucial for fostering a secure and prosperous environment for the people of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

He also acknowledged the strategic importance of Ogun State’s borders weaith, the Republic of Benin and the need for a united front in combating smuggling and other economic crimes.

Comptroller Ojo assured that the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies, will continue to implement intelligent and innovative strategies to safeguard the nation’s borders and promote economic growth.

The responses from all the critical stakeholders visited were positive and impressive. The CAC was assured of continuous support and collaboration with Ogun I Area Command and was accorded a warm reception throughout his visit.

The sister security agencies visited include the Nigerian Police Force, 35 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, Federal Road Safety Corps, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Nigeria Correctional Service, amongst others.

In his concluding remarks, Comptroller Ojo expressed optimism about the positive outcomes of the visit and the strengthened relationships with traditional rulers and security agencies.

While affirmimg that the Ogun I Area Command is dedicated to working in the spirit of unity and shared purpose to achieve their collective goals, he called for ongoing cooperation, vigilance, and commitment in tackling the challenges ahead.

Comptroller General of Customs(CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has on Wednesday announced that the service raked in over N4.49 trillion revenue to the federation account in 12 calendar months, making it his one year of appointment as the CGC.

The Customs CG disclosed that the Service under his watch has become turbo charged to fight smuggling and other illegal trade practices in the ports border stations.

As the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Wednesday marked the one year of appointment of Comptroller General of Customs; Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the CGC has announced that the service raked in over N4.49 trillion revenue to the Federation Account in 12 calendar months, even as he disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service under his watch has become turbo charged to fight smuggling and other illegal trade practices in the ports border stations.

The service has, in the last 12 months recorded massive of assorted contraband goods

On revenue collection, CGC Adeniyi disclosed that the N4.49trillion revenue was a quantum rise of 74 per cent when compared with the figure for the same period last year which was N2.58 trillion.

According to him, the amount was realised between June 2023 and May 2024.

He disclosed that there has been a sustained increase of 70.13 per cent in average monthly generation since he assumed office compared to the trend in the previous year.

The CG also added that there has been an average monthly revenue collection of N343 billion in the past one year as against N202 billion during the same period last year.

Customs GC Adeniyi disclosed that there was a continued 122.35 per cent increase in revenue collection in the first quarter of 2024 as against the trend last year.

He disclosed that in June, the Service recorded an all-time-high daily collection of N58.5 billion on June 13, this year.

The customs boss explained that the impressive performance was due to strategic initiatives introduced by the Service.

He identified some of the strategies as N15 billion recovered by the “Revenuenue Review Performance Recovery exercise; N2.79 billion also recovered from the 90-day window for the regularisation of the documents of uncustomed vehicles; and N1.5 billion recovered from 1,705 overtime containers and 981 vehicles from the seaports”.

On anti-smuggling, he reiterated that NCS recorded massive seizures of different goods, including 63 seizures of animal and wildlife products with duty paid value of N566 million.

Others were seven seizures of arms and ammunition at the ports and borders, a combined total of 127 cases involving narcotics and pharmaceutical products valued at over N6 billion, 724 seizures, involving 2.93 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which were about to be smuggled out of the country.

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has broken a new revenue collection record with a landmark feat of N17.9billion in a single day.

The amount recorded on Thursday June 14, 2024 is the highest daily revenue collection in the command’s history, surpassing its N8.9 billion daily target.

This unprecedented revenue record is also a cheerful news to celebrate the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR one year in office.

Speaking, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Apapa on Wednesday attributed the success to the intensified efforts of officers to curb revenue loopholes despite a significant decline in cargo throughput estimated to have dropped by more than 50 percent.

He also disclosed that the Command recently intercepted two containers of used clothing and Crusader soap.

According to him, “The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a landmark daily collection of N17,903,312,598 on June 14, 2024 being the highest since its inception.

“This feat is the beginning of many revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling exploits to be achieved in the course of discharging our statutory responsibilities,”

He assured port users and stakeholders that Officers and Men of the Command under his leadership will continue to prioritize trade facilitation and strive to surpass its targets.

He said the unprecedented revenue collection is a way of celebrating one year in office of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR whose inspiring and motivating leadership contributed greatly to the achievement.

“Finally, I want to use this medium to urge port users to always abide by the tenets and etiquette of lawful operations such as obeying the extant import and export guidelines, prompt and accurate payment of duty and promotion of regular engagement in the national interest,” Comptroller Olomu said.