The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday displayed 122 seized items which included 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of eight trailer-load, amongst others seized in the month of October 2023.
Addressing the media at the Idiroko border on Wednesday, acting Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command, Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu explained that the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products in the month under review.
According to Controller Shuaibu, “It is with great honour, that I greet you all and appreciate your presence in our midst today for another pivotal press briefing geared towards reeling out our achievements in the month of October 2023. These achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to contributing to economic development and national security of our dear nation, through our mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation in Ogun State.
“From 1st to 31st of October, 2023, the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products. In comparison with the amount of N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period of the year 2022, there is a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment.
“We are able to achieve this feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement.
“Our resolve to remain resolute in anti-smuggling fight has enabled the Command to record a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of 8 trailers load, among others.
“The persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, Foreign used Pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the Command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless. It is also proof of our concern for safeguarding our motorists from road mishaps which could terminate their lives or subject them to permanent disability. We are determined to make our society a safe place to live with peace of mind and an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive.
“We are pleased to inform you that, during the period under review, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures recorded by the Command amount to N398,470,687.00. Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team. As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of eight Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations.
“Other factors responsible for our achievements was the strategic deployment of our gallant officers and men, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies, and other critical stakeholders.
“In a bid to improve on the existing synergy and collaboration with critical stakeholders in Ogun State, upon resumption of office, we embarked on a familiarization tour of traditional Institutions and security agencies. We were warmly received in all the places visited and secured their reassurances of continuous support and a good working relationship.
“We visited the palaces of Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, the Olota and Paramount Ruler of Aworiland and Oniko of Ikolaje Kingdom, Idiroko. We equally visited the State Commands/Unit of the Nigerian Police (NPF), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of Security Service, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy School of Music (NNSM) and 192 Battalion Rear of the Nigerian Army.
“In conclusion, the economic well-being and security of our dear nation is a serious business that should not be compromised. We reassured the general public of our unwavering dedication to discharging our statutory responsibility with due diligence and the utmost sense of patriotism. We operate an open-door policy to accommodate the support of patriotic Nigerians through the sharing of useful information and other forms of information that may require our attention on legitimate trade or our activities generally.
“Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to stemming the tides of smuggling in Ogun State and warn recalcitrant smugglers or would-be smugglers to steer clear of smuggling activities or face the consequences. Failure to heed these warnings await them gross financial loss and full wrath of the law.”
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