*Vows to ensure total enforcement of FG policy on border closure.
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
The Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized fake pharmaceuticals, comprising Augmentin tablets, Ampiclox and Amoxycillin capsules with Duty Paid Value of N1,739,000,000.00.
This was disclosed on Thursday by the Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Ben Oramalugo at the 2024 second press conference of the command held at the its headquarters in Ibadan .
He maintained that the command during the period covering February 1 through 27, 2024, also collected the sum of N5,664,295,751.15.
According to Dr Oramalugo, when added to N6,824,954,338.96 already collected for the period of January 2024, the cumulative sum of N12,489,250,090.11 had been collected so far for the 2024 fiscal year.
“Today, I will like to reflect on the revenue and anti-smuggling activities of our Command for the month of February, particularly in light of the ongoing food security and economic challenges facing our nation. During the period covering February 1-27, 2024, the Oyo/Osun Area Command collected the sum of N5,664,295,751.15″, he said .
The Customs Area Controller added, “When added to the sum of N6,824,954,338.96 already collected for the period of January 2024, the cumulative sum of N12,489,250,090.11 was collected so far for the fiscal year of 2024,”
“Despite the prevailing economic challenges, Command’s officers have worked diligently to ensure the collection of customs duties and taxes in accordance with the mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service. The revenue generated thus far reflects the command’s commitment to contributing towards the economic stability of our nation”.
He pointed out that among other seizures made by the command are 345 (50kg) bags of foreign parboiled rice with DPV of N24, 218, 000.00; 344 (25 litres) kegs Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with DPV of N5, 728,500.00; four wraps (4 kilograms) of Cannabis Sativa with DPV of N126,000.00, and 1,309 pieces of used tyres with DPV of N70,140, 000.00.
Dr Oramalugo gave other contraband seized by the Command as 34 cartons and five bottles of foreign wine with DPV of N6, 231, 206.00; 40 bottles (five litres) and 21 bottles (one litre) with DPV of N1,760, 000.00 and N99, 225.00, respectively. The command also said that it seized 45 sacks and eight sacks/nine bales of used clothing and shoes with DPV of N42,720,000.
Speaking further, he declared that with the emerging economic challenges and increased attempts to compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s borders, the command anti-smuggling activities had been strategically positioned to ensure total enforcement of the Federal Government’s policy on border closure.
Dr Oramalugo expressed his appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Basir Adeniyi and his management team for supporting the command towards the realisation of enhanced performance and achievement of the core mandate of the service within Oyo and Osun states.
