By Adejoke Adeleye
The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully intercepted contraband goods with a cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of N314,057,716, showcasing its robust efforts in combating smuggling and boosting national revenue.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu of Ogun 1 Command outlined the command’s recent achievements in a bid to enhance Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
He revealed that in the first quarter of 2025, the command surpassed its previous year’s revenue collection, generating N43,412,794 from import duties and auction sales of petroleum products—an increase of over N7.6 million from last year.
The command’s relentless anti-smuggling operations resulted in 161 seizures, which included 7,242 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, and 535 kegs of petroleum products, among other items. The total DPV of these seizures amounted to a staggering N314 million.
Additionally, he said the Command facilitated the export of 329.6 metric tonnes of consignments valued at N266,966,642, further highlighting its contribution to trade facilitation.
Salisu also emphasized the command’s efforts to engage with key stakeholders, including visits to traditional institutions and security agencies to enhance collaboration.
He added that through initiatives such as the “Customs Cares” program and the “Festival of Art” event, the command has worked to promote trade, foster economic development, and strengthen cross-border cooperation.
In his closing remarks, Salisu reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to suppressing smuggling and illicit activities that undermine Nigeria’s economic growth.
He called on legitimate business operators to cooperate with the Customs Service while warning criminals involved in smuggling to desist.
