By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has shared performance in the year 2024 and early 2025, highlighting significant achievements in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and inter-agency collaboration.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller MS Shuaibu, who disclosed these achievements during a press conference held at the Idiroko Customs House today, Tuesday 28th January, 2025, according to the Command’s spokesman, CSC Hammed Bukoye Oloyede, revealed that the command generated a total revenue of N275,835,406 in 2024.
The seized cutlasses
“This revenue was derived from baggage assessments, proceeds from auction sales of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and vehicles. The feat reflects the diligence and professionalism of officers as well as the cooperation of compliant traders.
“The Command recorded significant seizures through intelligence-driven operations. Items intercepted and seized in 2024 include:
a. 16,712 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 50kg each.
b. 139,881 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
c. 940 rounds of live ammunition.
d. 71 sacks and 3,253 parcels of cannabis sativa.
e. 586 bales of used clothing.
f. 86 vehicles used for smuggling activities.
g. 18 units of foreign used vehicles.
i. 2,150 pieces of used pneumatic tyres.
j. 760 pieces of donkey skin.
k. 3,766 cartons of frozen poultry products.
l. 85 bags of imported flour.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these seizures amounts to N1,267,504,035.
Speaking on the Command’s activities for this year, Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu said, “In the first 27 days of 2025, the Command consolidated its achievements
with additional seizures, including 2,002 bags of smuggled rice weighing 50kg each, 6,180 pieces of cutlasses, and 6,375 litres of PMS, among others. The total DPV of seizures within this period stands at N77,476,185, reflecting the Command’s unwavering resolve to combat smuggling activities and enforce compliance with customs regulations.
“In line with its commitment to inter-agency collaboration, the Ogun I Area Command handed over intercepted parcels of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Idiroko Special Command. The seized items include:
a. Coconut-Size – 1, 019 Parcels
b. Book-Size – 25 Parcels
c. Bread-Size – 140 Parcels
“This partnership underscores the Command’s dedication to combating drug trafficking and ensuring a safer society”.
The Comptroller, Oloyede said, expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their support and guidance.
“He also commended the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their resilience, professionalism, and dedication to duty.
“Furthermore, he extended appreciation to stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and the media for their continued collaboration and support in combating smuggling and economic crimes. The Comptroller urged the general public to provide timely and credible information to assist the Command in its efforts to protect the economy and safeguard society.
“The CAC concluded by stating that, as the Ogun I Area Command progresses in 2025, it remains resolute in delivering on its mandate of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and combating smuggling.
“These achievements are a testament to the Command’s commitment to national prosperity, security, and economic development”, Oloyede stated.
