The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded its highest revenue collection since its inception, generating ₦82,193,426,334.10 in 2024. This figure represents a 15.3 percent increase compared to the ₦71.2 billion collected in 2023. The achievement was announced by the outgoing Customs Area Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, during a media briefing on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the command’s operational headquarters in Ibadan. Reflecting on his tenure of one year and four months, Dr. Oramalugo expressed gratitude for the support he received and highlighted key milestones accomplished under his leadership.
According to him, the command focused on three major priorities: revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and compliance with federal fiscal policies. In January 2025 alone, the command collected ₦7,804,408,776.88, marking a 10.1 percent increase from the amount collected in January 2023 and a 14.3 percent rise from January 2024. He attributed this success to strategic enforcement, improved compliance levels, and the effective implementation of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II), which streamlined revenue collection processes and trade facilitation.
Beyond revenue generation, the Oyo/Osun Command also intensified its anti-smuggling operations, making significant interceptions of contraband goods. In 2024, the command seized smuggled goods with a total duty-paid value of ₦5,377,759,260.00, reflecting a 1,091.14 percent increase from the ₦451.4 million intercepted in 2023. Between December 20, 2024, and January 31, 2025, additional seizures were made, amounting to ₦202,784,000.00 in duty-paid value. Among the confiscated goods were 170 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1,667 pieces of used tyres, 32 bales and four sacks of used clothes, two sacks of used shoes, and 40 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit.
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized that these anti-smuggling measures were critical in protecting local industries, ensuring consumer safety, and safeguarding national security. He noted that the command had also engaged local communities in sensitization efforts, educating them on the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on economic growth.
As he prepared to take on new responsibilities following his redeployment, Dr. Oramalugo expressed appreciation to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support. He also extended his gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Command for their dedication and professionalism. He acknowledged the contributions of sister security agencies, the business community, and the media, whose collaboration played a vital role in the command’s successes.
Concluding his address, Dr. Oramalugo assured that the foundation laid during his tenure would serve as a platform for further progress in the Oyo/Osun Command. He expressed confidence that the achievements recorded would be sustained and built upon to further enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and national security.