NCS: Controller Ben Oramalugo Departs Oyo/Osun Area Command in Grand Style
NCS: Controller Ben Oramalugo Departs Oyo/Osun Area Command in Grand Style
…Command Rakes in 82.1bn in 2024
By Ebenezer William
Oyo/Osun State Area Command has made history as it recorded a whooping annual revenue of ₦82,193,426,334.10k (Eighty-Two billion, One hundred and ninety-three million, Four hundred and twenty-six thousand, Three hundred Thirty-Four-naira, Ten kobo) for the Federal Government in 2024.
Speaking to news men in what was meant to be a valedictory briefing in the command, the hardworking comptroller reemphasized the original resolve of the command and its pledge to government and people of Nigeria to boost economic activities and put a peg on the nefarious business of smuggling in the area.
Excerpts:
Good morning distinguished Guest, esteemed Colleagues, and Gentlemen of the Press
With profound gratitude and a sense of fulfillment, I stand before you today to address you on the command’s first press brief in the year 2025, as well as my final press brief as the Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service Oyo/Osun Area Command. As I have been redeployed to another Command, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible progress we have accomplished together in the previous year and four months, and with a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, I am tremendously grateful for all of your support.
“When I took over the mantle of leadership as the Oyo/Osun Command’s Customs Area Controller, we made a collaborative commitment to performing our tasks with excellence while honoring the Nigeria Customs Service’s basic values. We worked together to address three primary priorities: increasing revenue collection, safeguarding Nigeria’s borders through effective anti-smuggling operations, and guaranteeing compliance with federal fiscal regulations. These duties helped our beloved country’s economic growth while also preventing the introduction of illegal items into the country, which would have hurt the general public”.
“Today, I am pleased to report that we have made tremendous progress in each of these areas, and as such, today’s press brief will reflect on the Command’s scorecard for the period January to December 2024, as well as the milestones already reached in the year 2025”.
In the aspects of revenue collection, Dr. Oramalugo said, that “the Command’s revenue collection in 2024 was exceptional and respectable. In 2024, the command successfully generated ₦82,193,426,334.10k (Eighty-Two billion, One hundred and ninety-three million, Four hundred and twenty-six thousand, Three hundred Thirty-Four-naira, Ten kobo) for the Federal Government. The amount collected is 15.3% higher than the amount collected in fiscal year 2023 ₦71,292,530,398.17k (Seventy-One billion, Two hundred and ninety-two million, Five hundred and thirty thousand, Three hundred- and Ninety-Eight-naira, seventeen kobo).
He stated further, that despite the severe economic obstacles encountered, the total revenue received in 2024 is the largest since the inception of the Command. This achievement according to the outgoing Controller, represents the hard work and dedication of the officers and men under his leadership, as well as our strong collaboration with stakeholders in the business community, in-depth strategic enforcement and improved compliance.
Talking from the angle of the prevailing economic situation and implementation of various fiscal policies to stabilize the country’s economy, Ben Oramalugo said that for January 2025 the Oyo/Osun Area Command has collected the sum of ₦7,804,408,776:88k (Seven billion, Eight hundred and four million, Four hundred and eight thousand, Seven hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Eighty-Eight Kobo). The sum collected signifies a 10.1% and 14.3% when compared to the sums of ₦7,088,191,138:30k (Seven billion, eighty-eight million, One hundred and ninety-one thousand, One hundred and thirty-eight naira, thirty kobo) ₦6,824,954,338:96k (Six billion, Eight hundred and Twenty-four million, Nine hundred and fifty-four thousand, Three hundred- and thirty-eight-naira, ninety-six kobo) collected in the year 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Controller Oramalugo pointed out that the revenue milestone was achieved with the successful implementation of many strategic initiatives aimed at increasing compliance and streamlining our procedures. The Command was able to reduce delays, boost efficiency, and facilitate trade while collecting proper duties by utilizing technology such as the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II) and taking a proactive approach to addressing legitimate traders’ problems.
Showcasing the Commands achievement in the area of anti-smuggling and security in the Area Controller Oramalugo said the Oyo/Osun Area Command and the Nigeria Customs Service in general is battle ready to combat smuggling within the country. Through sustained efforts, the Oyo/Osun Command has achieved tremendous progress in countering unlawful activities that endanger our country’s security and impede the growth of our local industry.
He stated further, that due to the interceptions and seizures of uncustomed commodities valued at ₦5,377,759,260:00k (Five billion, three hundred and seventy-seven million, seven hundred and fifty-nine thousand, two hundred and sixty naira only) in duty-paid value, the command score card for anti-smuggling efforts in 2024 is likewise of massive proportions. In comparison to the duty paid value of ₦451,479,759:00k (Four hundred and fifty-one million, four hundred and seventy-nine thousand, seven hundred and fifty-nine naira only) intercepted and confiscated in 2023, the duty paid value for 2024 represents a 1,091.14% increase.
Between December 20th, 2024 to January 31st, 2025, the Command intercepted and seized smuggled goods with a duty paid value ₦202,784,000.00k. (Two hundred and two million, Seven hundred and eighty-four thousand naira only). These items included the following contraband goods which are detrimental to Nigeria’s economy and national security.
Finally, according to Oramalugo, the Command remained focused on protecting the interests of local manufacturers and industries even as the battles against smuggling raged on. “Our efforts ensured that cheaper, substandard, and harmful goods were kept out of our markets, thereby allowing local producers to thrive and ensuring the health and safety of our citizens”.
To ensure the progress of lawful business in the area, the Command took significant steps to engage with local communities, raising awareness about the dangers of smuggling and its negative impact on national development. Through outreach programs, it was able to build stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and the general public, which is crucial for achieving long-term success in the suppression of smuggling within the Command’s Area of Responsibility.
In his parting words: “As I prepare to take up my new responsibilities, my sincere appreciation goes to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support to the Command”.
He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs BA Adeniyi and the entire management team for their unwavering support for him during his tenure in office while expressing a heartfelt appreciation to the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Command for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the goals of the Nigeria Customs Service.
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