- Comptroller vows to safeguard citizens’ welfare
In a significant interception operation, the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, thwarted an attempt to smuggle sacks of counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs valued at over N1.8 billion.
Addressing the media at the Command headquarters on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Customs Area Controller Comptroller Ben Oramalugo revealed the successful interception and seizure. He emphasized the Command’s relentless efforts to enforce the Federal Government’s border closure policy to safeguard Nigerian citizens from harmful imports and economic sabotage.
“Our anti-smuggling activities are strategically aligned to protect our citizens and uphold economic stability,” Comptroller Ben affirmed. “We’ve effectively intercepted contraband goods, including those posing threats to both our economy and the well-being of our people.”
Among the confiscated items were 53 sacks of fake pharmaceutical drugs, valued at ₦1,739,000,000.00, alongside other contraband such as used tyres, foreign parboiled rice, premium motor spirit, Indian hemp, and assorted foreign goods, totaling a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,890,022,931.00.
Highlighting the Command’s resilience amidst economic challenges, Comptroller Ben disclosed that the Command generated ₦5,664,295,751.15 in revenue for February 2024, contributing to a cumulative total of ₦12,489,250,090.11 collected so far in the fiscal year 2024.
Despite ongoing border closures, Comptroller Ben reiterated the Command’s vigilance, emphasizing the dedication of its officers to preventing smuggling activities that jeopardize citizens’ health and well-being.
He expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and key stakeholders in Oyo and Osun States for their support in combating smuggling and raising awareness about its detrimental effects on the economy.
The Comptroller affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and national prosperity, calling for collective efforts to overcome challenges and secure a prosperous future for Nigeria.
