The Nigerian Custom Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command said that it has recorded 101.4% increase in its revenue collection as the command generated the sum of N13,397,441,364.71.
The Oyo/Osun Area Comptroller, Abdullahi Zulkiflu disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference held at the command’s headquarters in Ibadan the Oyo State capital.
He reiterated that a total sum of N13,397,441,364.71 Â has been collected as revenue from excise duties in the first quarter of 2019 as against N6,032,964,650.94 within the same period in 2018 which shows an increase of 101.4% in revenue collected within the first quarter of last year.
“Our aim is to update you and the general public on the achievement and success in our anti – smuggling campaign and revenue collection in the command since our last press release.
“The command under my watch has continue to improve on intelligence driven strategy and has carried out series of operation at different locations within the command area of coverage which has led to the seizure of the following.”
According to him, one used ash colour Toyota Corolla with Duty Paid Value put at N3,003,628.00, One used white coloured Toyota Highlander with Duty Paid Value put at N4,072,713.00, One used black color Toyota Prado with Duty Paid Value put at N12,112448.00 were recovered.
The custom boss noted further that One used black color Peugeot 607 with Duty Paid Value put at N1,253,056.00, 3,270 (50kg) bags of imported parboiled rice with Duty Paid Value put at N49, 634,676.00, 700 25liters of kegs of Vegetable oil valued at N6,828,344.44 were also recovered.
He added that 50 bags of 50kg sugar with Duty Paid Value put at N800,977.00, 20 bales of second hand clothing with Duty Paid Value put at N2,047,920.00, 29 means of conveyances with Duty Paid Value put at N25,975,212,22.
The Comptroller pointed out that the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) for the seized goods is N105,728,974.66, adding that most of the rice and other contrabands goods were converted and concealed in vehicles that have no economic value popularly called ‘GURA GURA’ and a motorcycles to perpetrate these nefarious acts.
Abdullahi said that eight suspects were arrested and subsequently granted conditional bail and will soon be charged to court.
He, however, commended the dedication of his officers and the cooperation of the unit, service and synergy enjoyed by other sister agencies like the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, Nigeria Civil Defence Service Corps, Department of State Security Service (DSS) among others for the actualisation of the achievement.
“We shall not relent on our effort in fighting smuggling with a view of protecting indigenous industries, reviving ailing ones and at long run, create wealth and jobs for the teaming unemployed youth, we shall continue to enlightened the general public through the press, social media, traditional and community leaders on the effect of smuggling on the Nation economy and encourage them to embrace legitimate business,” he maintained.
Packaged by Ojo Peter
