Author: Ibe Wada.

The Nigeria Customs Service Oyo/Osun Area Command has intercepted a significant consignment of used tyres in a recent operation to curb smuggling activities in the region.

In a press statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs, Kayode Wey, on 13 August 2024 on behalf of the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, the seizure which was on Monday, August 12, 2024, at approximately 9:45 pm, occurred along the Saki axis of Oyo State.

Comptroller Ben Oramalugo stated that importing and smuggling used tyres into Nigeria is illegal due to the significant risks they pose to public safety.

He highlighted that worn-out tyres are unsafe for road use, and their circulation endangers lives and property.

“The used tyres were discovered during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by one of the Command’s anti-smuggling teams. Upon inspection, the tyres were found hidden within the truck in a bid to evade detection by law enforcement officers,” Comptroller Oramalugo disclosed.

The CAC reiterated the Command’s dedication to protecting the nation’s borders and economy by preventing substandard and prohibited goods inflow.

He stressed the importance of continuous surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the commitment to ensuring that only legitimate goods are allowed entry into the country.

In a stern warning to smugglers, the CAC reiterated the command’s unrelenting efforts to bring offenders to justice and, as such, urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to smuggling, as their cooperation is vital to safeguarding public safety and supporting the Command’s mission.

He acknowledged that the Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, remains resolute in protecting Nigerians from the dangers of substandard and smuggled goods.

“The Command continues to collaborate closely with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure the effective enforcement of customs regulations across the region. I have to laud the operation’s success, attributing it to the vigilance and commitment of the Command’s officers,” he concluded.

Muhammad Bashir.

In a remarkable event on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service Headquarters, the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi hands over the Vice-Chair of the WCO West and Central Africa Sub-Region to Mali’s Inspector-General of Customs, Amadou Konate.

The CGC emphasised that the sub-region serves as a platform for Customs Administrations to share experiences and develop lasting solutions to their common problems.

CGC Adeniyi also identified areas where the Nigeria Customs Service could assist the Malian Customs Administration in fulfilling its mandates, pledging mutual mentorship and support.

Speaking on the World Customs Organization (WCO) framework, Adeniyi explained, “The WCO is an umbrella body uniting over 184 Customs Administrations worldwide, led by an elected Secretary-General. Each of the six global regions has an elected Vice-Chair who assists the Secretary-General in the administrative structure.”

He continued, “The West African sub-region, comprising 24 Customs Administrations from West and Central Africa, is where we geographically belong.”

Adeniyi reiterated the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to revenue generation and supporting the national budget, aligning with the mandates of other Customs Administrations in the sub-region. He also emphasised the importance of trade facilitation and the role of Customs Administrations in implementing measures that enhance the trade environment.

Inspector-General Amadou Konate of the Malian Customs Administration expressed gratitude to CGC Adeniyi and his management team for their hospitality. He also expressed interest in building strong collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service in areas of public interest.

Konate noted that the administrative structure of the Malian Customs Administration differs from that of the Nigeria Customs Service but welcomed the opportunity to learn from their experience.

…Intercepts 23 190 Litres of PMS.

Author: Vivian Daniel.

In its attempt to combat smuggling and protect the nation’s economy, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has successfully seized a significant quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Ayegun axis of Oyo State.

According to a press statement signed on Friday, 26 July 2024 by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Superintendent of Customs Kayode Wey noted that the operation took place on Wednesday, 24 July 2024, resulting in the confiscation of 94 drums, each containing 235 litres and 44 kegs, each containing 25 litres, totalling 23,190 litres of PMS.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo, revealed that the interception was made possible through the diligence and teamwork of the Command’s anti-smuggling team based on credible intelligence. He further disclosed that the seized PMS was intended for smuggling through the border to neighbouring countries and was camouflaged to evade detection by law enforcement agencies.

Comptroller Oramalugo noted that the interception was significant and underscored the unwavering commitment of the Customs Oyo/Osun Area Command Officers and Men to contend with the smuggling of petroleum products while defending the nation’s economy.

He highlighted that the unlawful exportation of PMS deprives the government of significant revenue generation and contributes to the artificial scarcity of fuel being experienced in the nation occasionally, negatively impacting ordinary citizens’ lives.

Likewise, the CAC applauded the officers’ efforts in the operation and emphasised the command’s readiness to intensify its anti-smuggling activities. He reiterated that the Command remains watchful and will continue to deploy all necessary resources to curb prohibited activities within its jurisdiction.

Comptroller Oramalugo stated that the confiscated PMS would be disposed of in line with the laws and regulations governing handling such sensitive items.

He called on members of the public to continuously support the NCS in its efforts to win the fight against the smuggling of such products by providing timely information and cooperating with the Service while reassuring them that the Command would remain resolute in its mission to secure the nation’s borders, ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens alongside protecting the economic interests of Nigeria by facilitating legitimate trade.

Additionally, the CAC warned that individuals found engaging in or supporting smuggling activities would face the full wrath of the law as enshrined in the new Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.