The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Monday said its officers have intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes, among other items, in the second quarter of 2024.
Addressing newsmen in Idiroko, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller James Ojo, stated that the command generated a revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of 2024.
According to Controller James Ojo, “To begin with, I am delighted to announce that through our concerted efforts and strategic operations, the Ogun I Area Command has generated an impressive revenue of N92,369,227.00 for the second quarter of 2024.
Interestingly, this revenue represents about a 52.46% increase compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the corresponding period of 2023.
In addition, the Command surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%.
This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment, and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure that we meet and exceed our revenue targets.
It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our dear nation.
“This success aligns perfectly with the policy thrust of our Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, who has championed the principles of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
In addition to our revenue generation success, our enforcement activities have led to significant interceptions of prohibited goods.
In recent operations, we successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tires, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.
“Other interceptions include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770,666,237.00.
These seizures are not just numbers; they represent our relentless fight against smuggling and our determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety, and uphold the integrity of our borders.
“Recall that during my maiden press briefing held on 9 May 2024, I highlighted the adverse effects of smuggled cannabis sativa and foreign-used pneumatic tires on the citizenry.
In addition to the above highlights, it is pertinent to also state the health implications of consuming smuggled frozen poultry products.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the health implications of consuming frozen poultry products preserved with chemicals and smuggled into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin can be severe and multifaceted.
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“These interceptions also underscore the importance of continuous vigilance, collaboration, and the need for a united front in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.
As we reflect on these achievements, it is essential to recognize that our success would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State.
Your unwavering support, valuable insights, and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in our operations. It is in this spirit of collaboration that I embarked on a courtesy visit to our revered traditional rulers and security agencies.
“The purpose of these visits was to foster synergy and collaboration in combating smuggling and enhancing economic growth and national security.
By working together, sharing intelligence, and leveraging our collective strengths, we can create a more secure and prosperous environment for our people.
The support of our traditional rulers is invaluable, as they are the custodians of our cultural heritage and play a critical role in maintaining peace and order in our communities.
“In conclusion, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CGC for his enormous support and remarkable leadership qualities. It is my pleasure to also convey my sincere appreciation to all the officers and men of the Ogun I Area Command for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism.”
