By Innocent Orok
The Ogun 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service at Idiroko Border has made a seizure of 103 items with Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth N380,370,911 and also collected N14,628,661 revenue within 23 days of the assumption of Comptroller James Ojo as the Area Controller of the Command.
Comptroller James Ojo, during his maiden press briefing at the Idiroko border recalled that since he took over the leadership of the Command on 16 April 2024 from his predecessor, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu , they hit the ground running.
He stated that the seized items were intercepted at different locations within Ogun State, with the aid of intensive intelligence strategies and concerted efforts of the Command’s intelligence network such as the Customs Intelligence Unit, DSS and others.
While giving a breakdown of the seized items, he said “the Command made a total seizure of 103 items comprising 90 sacks and 1,309 parcels of cannabis sativa;1,596 pieces of foreign used pneumatic tyres; 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each; 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 Cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, among others. The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounted to N380,600,911.
Comptroller Ojo said to complement their anti-smuggling exploits, the Command also generated the sum of N14,628,661 as revenue through baggage assessment and auction sales of petroleum products.
“Presently, the trading activities across the border is not encouraging, but effort is ongoing to address the identified challenges that hinder the flow of trade”, he said.
According to him, “we are hopeful that this will enhance our revenue profile significantly. Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are widely open for consultation and required support.
“On this note, I will like to send a note of warning to economic saboteurs to steer clear of smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade. Anyone caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law”, he warned.
He said “the Command wishes to reaffirm our dedication to duty and commitment to ensuring safety and well-being of our people. We remain resolute in carrying out our mandate in Ogun State with utmost patriotism. Your support and cooperation with mutual understanding will assist in facilitating our economic growth and social wellbeing.”
