Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD, FCIA, FNIM, Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service
Oyo/Osun Area Command
In a landmark press briefing held at the Oyo/Osun Area Command headquarters in Ibadan on Friday, 10th November 2023, the Area Comptroller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo, PhD FCIA FNIM, showcased the remarkable achievements of the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership. With a focus on trade facilitation, revenue generation, and the suppression of smuggling activities, Dr. Oramalugo outlined the Command’s success within his first two months in office.
Dr. Oramalugo briefing the press on his team’s achievements
Revenue Generation: A Testament to Strategic Leadership
Dr. Oramalugo began the briefing by expressing his pleasure at addressing the press for the first time since assuming office on 18th September 2023. He proudly announced that, under his leadership, the Oyo/Osun Area Command had generated an impressive ₦11,679,732,583.91 (Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Naira, Ninety-One Kobo) in revenue from September to October 2023.
This accomplishment, when added to the revenue collected between January and August 2023, brings the total revenue collected to ₦59,087,983,670.64 (Fifty-Nine Billion, and Eighty-Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Naira, Sixty-Four Kobo). Dr. Oramalugo attributed this success to the prioritization of trade facilitation, strict enforcement of existing laws, and the implementation of measures to simplify customs processes.
Some of the good seized by customs from smugglers
Anti-Smuggling Operations: Intercepting Illicit Goods
The Area Comptroller highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts during the same period. Through intelligence gathering and continuous patrol and enforcement operations, the Command intercepted various smuggled goods, including 1,248 bags of rice, 425 kegs of P.M.S., used clothing and bags, used tires, cannabis sativa, and an illegal firearm. The total Duty Paid Value (₦) of the seized items amounted to ₦51,180,460.00.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: A Unified Front
Dr. Oramalugo emphasized the importance of collaboration and inter-agency cooperation in achieving these milestones. The Command actively engages with federal government agencies, trade associations, and the public to address concerns and gather feedback. Notably, the Command intercepted 64 sacks and 150 wraps of compressed cannabis sativa, weighing a total of 777.5kg, in collaboration with the NDLEA. He expressed gratitude to sister agencies and local leaders for their continued cooperation.
One of the operational vehicles recently provided for the command
by the Comptroller General (CGC), B.A. Adeniyi, MFR
A Stern Warning and Call for Public Assistance:
The Area Comptroller concluded the briefing with a stern warning to economic saboteurs, affirming the Command’s commitment to deploying all available resources within the confines of the new Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. Dr. Oramalugo urged well-meaning Nigerians and the general public to provide information that could aid in apprehending economic saboteurs within the Command’s jurisdiction.
Dr. Ben Oramalugo expressed gratitude to the media for their continued support and assured them of the Command’s commitment to effective communication and transparency. As the press conference concluded, the media representatives were wished safe travels to their respective destinations, marking the end of a detailed and enlightening briefing by a seasoned leader at the helm of the Oyo/Osun Area Command.
NGI 
SKJ