24th November, 2023
Adejoke Adeleye, Ogun
The Ogun Command of Nigeria Customs Service of hasreceived eight land cruiser trucks to combat smuggling in in the state.
The Controller of Customs,Ogun Area 1, Comptroller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu revealed during a press briefing on the command’s achievement held at Idiroko Area 1 recently.
According to him, the trucks will help to enhance anti-smuggling operations in the state.
He further hinted that the Controller General of Custom,Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team gave the trucks to the command to ensure that there is no excuse for growth of smuggling in the state.
While speaking on the achievements of the command, Shuaibu revealed that the command has able to generate the total sum of N398,470,687.00 as Value Paid Duty in the month of October 2023 compared to last year which was
N5,487,076.00.
He said the achievements underscore the unwavering committee to contributing to economic development and national security of the nation through the command’s mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation in Ogun State.
“From 1st to 31st of October, 2023, the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products. In comparison with the amount of N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period of year 2022, there is a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment.
We are able to achieve this feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement.
Our resolve to remain resolute in anti-smuggling fight has enabled the Command to record a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of 8 trailers load, among others.
The persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, Foreign used Pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the Command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless.
It is also a proof of our concern in safeguarding our motorists from road mishap which could terminate their lives or subject them to permanent disability. We are determined to making our society a safe place to live with peace of mind and an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive.”
“We are pleased to inform you that, during the period under review, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures recorded by the Command amount to N398,470,687.00.
‘Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc+ and his management team.
“As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of 8 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations. Other factors responsible for our achievements was the strategic deployment of our gallant Officers and Men, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
“In a bid to improve on the existing synergy and collaboration with critical stakeholders in Ogun State, upon resumption of office, we embarked on a familiarization tour of traditional Institutions and security agencies.
“We were warmly received in all the places visited and secured their reassurances of continuous support and good working relationship. We visited the palaces of Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the Olota and Paramount Ruler of Aworiland and Oniko of Ikolaje Kingdom, Idiroko. We equally visited the State Commands/Unit of the Nigerian Police (NPF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of Security Service, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy School of Music (NNSM) and 192 Battalion Rear of the Nigerian Army.”
He added that that the economic well-being and security of the nation is a serious business that should not be compromised.
He however reassured the general public of unwavering dedication to discharging statutory responsibility with due diligence and utmost sense of patriotism.
He hinted that the command will operate an open-door policy to accommodate the support of patriotic Nigerians through sharing of useful information and other forms of information that may require attention on legitimate trade or Customs activities generally.
He however reaffirm its commitment to stemming the tides of smuggling in Ogun State and warn recalcitrant smugglers or would be smugglers to steer clear of smuggling activities or face the consequences.
“Failure to heed these warnings, what awaits them gross financial loss and full wrath of the law,” he said.
