NCS Ogun1 Area Command Records 115 seizures Worth Over N231.2Million In Two Months
By Silas Onuoha
The Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) Ogun1 Area Command has recorded 115 seizures worth over N231.2million between January and February 2023. Addressing journalists at Abeokuta on Tuesday, the Customs Area Controller , Comptroller, Bamidele Makinde fsi mni psc(+) informed.
“This cuts across our core mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation in Ogun State.
The Command generated a total sum of N28,445,757. through import duties, auction sales of scrap vehicles and Petroleum products. I will like to reiterate that the revenue activities of the Command comprises importation and exportation of legitimate goods, goods under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and assessment of merchandise in baggage.”
Compt Makinde went further, “the relentless anti-Smuggling campaign of the Command has continued to improve our seizure profile. In the period under review, the Command recorded 115 seizures which include 6,743 bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each which is an equivalence of 11 trailer loads.”
Other seizures recorded during the period under review includes, 19,806 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),18 Units of used vehicles, used for the conveyance of smuggled goods,
Cannabis Sativa: 64 sacks and 824 wraps of book, bread and coconut sizes.
Artifact: 10 big pieces and 19 small pieces.
One unit of Motorcycles used for the conveyance of prohibited items.
Secondhand clothing: 73 bales,
14 sacks of foreign used shoes,
900 pieces of foreign used tyres,
520 cartons of Frozen Poultry products.
According to the CAC the seizures were made at different locations such as Abeokuta axis, Ilaro axis and Ipokia/Idiroko axis, among others, with the total Duty Pay Value (DPV) of N231,218,506.
The Command is also committed to facilitating legitimate trade. “We value the business community and their contribution to the economy of the nation. We assure them of our continuous support in all aspect of their trading activities. However, we urge them to avoid any form of illicit trade that could adversely affect the economy and tarnish their reputation. May I use this opportunity to warn recalcitrant and smugglers to steer clear of smuggling activities. Anyone caught in the act shall be made to face the full weight of the law,” Compt Bamidele stated.
Stakeholders’ Engagement/Corperate Social Responsibility. The Integration Art Palace and Tour in collaboration with the Command organized a 3-day Art for Economic Development program with the theme “Nigeria Customs Service Enabling a Secure Border Trade”. The programme, which is part of the Command’s Corperate Social Responsibility (CSR), took place from 10th to 14th February 2023. Its objective is to promote trade using art work.
The participants, who were secondary school students and artisans, were given the leverage to exhibit their talents. Four of the students who distinguished themselves were given awards of excellence to further encourage them to develop their skills. The Command also used the avenue to educate the participants on the activities of Customs in Ogun State, benefits of legitimate trade and the dangers inherent in smuggling activities.
The Command has continued to maintain a good community relations with the Traditional Rulers, Community leaders and the Youths, etc. “We are also committed to maintaining synergy with our sister agencies across the State. We appreciate the collaboration and cooperation of everyone which has engendered peaceful coexistence in the Communities and their environs,”he said.
The CAC commended Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) CFR, whom he said has always, overwhelmingly supported the anti-smuggling campaign of the Service and this has had a huge impact on the performances and achievements recorded by Commands, Units and other Customs formations across the nation. “Our Area Command, in particular, has benefitted immensely from such support and sterling leadership. May I use this medium to appreciate him and his Management Team.”
Going further Compt. Makinde appreciates critical stakeholders such as the traditional rulers, community leaders, and other security agencies who are showing concern and are collaborating with the Service for their continuous support. Also the press for being objective in their news report.
