The Controller of Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bamidele Makinde, revealed on Tuesday that the command achieved a total revenue of N13,370,229.00 in July. This revenue was generated from evaluating baggage and the earnings from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Makinde also disclosed that the Command successfully intercepted and seized various items, including 2,113 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each, 21 vehicles, 17,950 liters of PMS, and 1,416 used tires, among other items.
These details were conveyed through a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Hammed Bukoye Oloyede. The statement was made accessible to journalists in the Ogun State capital, Abeokuta.
Makinde highlighted that these seizures were the result of intelligence-driven efforts carried out across diverse locations within the state. He further mentioned that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods is estimated at N106,757,592.00.
He emphasized that the operations of the Command strictly adhere to the stipulations of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
“Various sections and subsections of the Act empower Customs’ operatives to carry out patrol freely in the exercise of their duties in enforcing Customs & Excise Laws, making seizures/detention, and arrest of suspects in connection with smuggling activities”.
“The Act also prescribes various punishments on trade-related matters. Examples of such are obstruction of officers, hindrance, molestation or assaults on officers while on lawful duty as well as preventing seizure of items, or arrest of a suspect which attracts a fine of N5,000,000.00, imprisonment for 5 years or both”.
In expressing his appreciation for the remarkable accomplishments achieved thus far, Makinde commended the dedication and efforts of the command’s officers and personnel. He urged them to maintain their unwavering commitment to their responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of carrying out their duties with both politeness and a sense of self-respect.
Makinde also conveyed his gratitude towards the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his recent visit to the Command. He described the visit as a source of encouragement and a morale boost for the officers. He assured the CGC that the Command would continue to uphold and enhance its current level of performance.
“As the Command’s stakeholders’ engagement continues to be brought to bear, the Controller appreciated the practical presence of our critical stakeholders, such as Heads of sister agencies; security agencies from Igolo; Secretary General Inter-border forum and clearing agents, during the visit of the Ag CGC.
“The CAC applauded the traditional rulers in the Ipokia Local Government Area, community leaders, youths and other members of Idiroko and Ipokia communities for the warm reception given to the Ag CGC when he visited the Palaces of Oniko of Ikolaje and Onipokia of Ipokia to pay homage and courtesy visit. He, on a final note, appreciated the gentlemen of the press for their usual objectivity in their news reportage”.
“The CAC commended the compliant travelers for their honesty and patriotism which made part of the generated revenue a reality.
