Ogun Customs makes over N2b seizure in 2020


The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded seizures worth over N2.2billion from January to December 2020 in its anti-smuggling drive.

The Comptroller, Peter Kolo, disclosed this when addressing newsmen at the command headquarters, Idiroko, Ogun State on Wednesday.

He said the Command also realised N113.8m in January 2021, making a total of more than N2.3b for the period under review.

His words, “The border closure lasted more than one year, hence the only source of revenue for the Command as of today are fees collected from auction sales of seized petroleum products and other perishable items.

"For instance, revenue collected from auction sales of seized petroleum products from January to December 2020 is N64,212,500.00, while N1,557,500.00 was realised in January 2021, making a total of N65,770,000.00.

“Items seized from January to December 2020, include 47,601 bags of foreign rice – (79 trailer loads); 461 units of vehicles and means of conveyance.

"Other items includes poultry products used tyres, second hand clothing, dangerous drugs (tramadol and cannabis sativa), palm oil, assorted soap and cream.

"In January, 2021, the Command seized 6,038 bags of rice, (50kg each), another 100 bags of rice, (25kg each), making a total of 6,138 bags (Ten trailer loads). 44 units of vehicles used as means of conveyance.

"7 units of Tokunbo vehicles under detention, total is 51 Units and grand total of 512 Units, for the period under review.

“Others include 1,382 cartons of poultry products, 22,050 litres of PMS; 21 bales of second hand clothes; one sack of used shoes; two bags of textiles materials; one carton of tomato paste.

"The total number of seizures from January to
December 2020, are 1,686. 144 seizures were made in January 2021. So, the grand total for Seizures is 1,830.”

Kolo said that there is remarkable increase in the number and quantities of seizures recorded in the month of January, 2021.

He reiterated that sustained attack on operatives of the service and other sister Agencies will not deter us from performing their legitimate duties in Ogun State.

The Controller stated that the Command will continue to dialogue and educate the public on
economic implications of smuggling, as well as performing statutory functions of enforcing compliance in line with government fiscal policies.

He said, "Permit me to use this opportunity to appeal to parents and guardians residing in border communities to prevail on their wards and youths to desist from such criminal acts of smuggling and attacks on Security agencies.

“During courtesy visit to traditional rulers in various communities in the State, we sought their support in combating smuggling and urged them to educate their subjects on the menace of smuggling and further warned strongly against incessant attacks on security operatives discharging their statutory duties, as that will no longer be tolerated.

“In all the traditional palaces visited, the same challenges facing the border communities were enumerated to include lack of Federal
Government presence in terms of infrastructure and development.

The CAC promised to communicate their request to Customs Management.

He appreciated the collaborative efforts of sister agencies in the fight against smuggling and sought for continuous support.

He then pledged to operate an open door policy to grant easy access to his office with the aim of ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in implementation of government fiscal policies.

My money is among na

Smuggling is just as a result of the bad governance we have in this country! Most people who go into smuggling are frustrated people who sees no hope elsewhere! Come to idiroko and watch women tie rice all over their bodies to beat check points
Also men,some who are graduates use bikes to smuggle petrol and other contraband goods,as much as high risk and loss in it, people are still daring the consequences because they couldn't find something better doing.
You hardly find companies sited at idiroko road to owode,most villagers there have no alternative than to go into smuggling!
Govt should create more jobs and eradicate the stealing of public funds.