NCS Generates N1.1bn in First Quarter in Ogun

NCS Generates N1.1bn in First Quarter in Ogun

It is a great pleasure to once again highlight our activities and challenges in discharging our core functions of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, facilitation of trade and protection of the society.

The year 2020 is globally surrounded with health and economic challenges in which our dear country Nigeria is not an exception. Nigeria Customs Service and in particular, the Ogun I Area Command remain resolute and committed in ensuring that our critical functions of implementing Federal Government Policies geared towards safety and well-being of the populace remain unabated .

*Revenue* : – It will interest you to know that within the period of 1st January to 31st March, 2020, the Command generated a total revenue of thirty seven million, eight hundred and seventy eight thousand naira (N37, 878, 000.00) from direct auction of seized 293,015 litres of PMS, 625 litres of Diesel and 19 Jerri cans of kerosene (25kg each). All the aforementioned seizures of petroleum products were meant for illegal exportation in defiance to extant Federal Government policies. It is important to note that all items imported into Nigeria for home use are not permitted to be exported (see schedule 6 of ECOWAS Common External Tariff).

*Anti-Smuggling* : – Below is a comparative analysis of anti-smuggling activities for the corresponding periods of the first quarter of the year 2019 and 2020 respectively:

*FIRST QUARTER OF YEAR 2020*
*Total No. of seizures:* 607
*Vehicles:* 225 Units
*Rice:* 14, 951 bags of 50kg each
*PMS:* 293,015 Litres
*Poultry Products:* 9,161 Ctns
*Duty Paid Value* :N1, 177, 161, 384

*FIRST QUARTER OF YEAR 2019*
*Total No. of seizures:* 226
*Vehicles:* 83 Units
*Rice:* 12, 720 bags of 50kg each
*PMS:* 13, 750 Litres
*Poultry Products:* Nil
*Duty Paid Value* :N438, 951, 226.00

The figures above shows tremendous increase by far margins in the numbers and Duty Paid Values of seizures in the first quarter of the year 2020 when compared to the first quarter of the year 2019. Attached herewith is an annex of all items seized in Ogun I Command of the first quarter of the year 2020.

Other Activities: – In the spirit of interagency cooperation, the Command intercepted 176 sacks, 1, 790 Parcels, 80 compressed books packs 28 compressed coconut packs and 4 wraps of cannabis sativa (Indian Hemp). The said items were seized by Officers and Men of the Command at different locations along the border areas in Ogun state.

Furthermore, the Command Special Taskforce, intercepted nine vehicles (7 SUVs Nissan Pathfinder and 2 Mazda) fully loaded with smuggled parboiled rice. It is important to bring to the notice of the public that during the lockdown, some daredevil smugglers ingeniously explored the difficult terrain with SUV vehicles to convey smuggled items into the country. The proactive activities of Officers and Men in Command led to remarkable seizures of such categories of vehicles conveying smuggled items. As a responsive and responsible Service, we remain resolute and focused in making sure that economic saboteurs are brought to their knees.

The Command wishes to commend the synergy existing between its personnel and Officers of Operation Ex-Swift Response (OSR), FOU Zone ‘A’, CGC Strike Force, Sister Agencies and other stakeholders.

Finally, the Area Controller (Compt. Agbara Michael) once again reiterated his resolve and that of his Officers on a sustained implementation of Federal Government policies with utmost patriotism and commitment. He further expressed his optimism that with prayers and adherence to public health guidelines, the world will overcome Coronavirus (COVID-19) and bounce back towards the path of good health and economic well-being.

Abdullahi Maiwada
Public Relations Officer
For: Customs Area Controller
Ogun I Area Command