Comptroller Adelaja taking the press round the seized items.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The new helmsman at the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja has continued with the spectacular performance of his predecessor as the Customs Area Controller of the Command. The CAC and his lieutenants have dealt a serious blow to the pockets of smugglers carrying out their nefarious activities within and around the area of the Command.
In a press briefing, Monday, the CAC revealed that “During my maiden press briefing, I reported that within the 22 days of my assumption of duty, significant milestones were recorded both in the area of revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities, you would recall that the sum of ₦2,048,487,969.00k (Two billion, forty-eight million, four hundred and eighty-seven thousand, nine hundred and sixty-nine naira only) was generated as revenue for the period of 1st February – 27th February 2025, while the sum of ₦165,387,000.00k (One hundred and sixty-five million, three hundred and eighty-seven thousand naira only) was recorded for the anti-smuggling activities during this same period”.
He added that “Following the milestones recorded within my first 22days in office, the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain committed to the Nigeria Customs Service mandate of revenue generation, facilitation of legitimate trade and the suppression of smuggling. The Command has continued to intensify it efforts in the area of anti-smuggling by ensuring the compliance with Customs regulations and safeguarding the nation’s economic interests”.
His words “I am pleased to inform you that, within the last 17 days after the Command’s maiden press briefing under my distinguished leadership, the Command has once again recorded a significant seizure of Foreign parboiled rice, Cannabis Sativa, Used Tyres, Used Clothes, Used Shoes and Used Compressors with a Duty Paid Value of Four Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Two Naira Only ₦468,706,602.00k. This achievement was made possible through effective intelligence sharing by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Customs Police Unit, and the unwavering support of relevant stakeholders who collaborated with the Command to accomplish yet another milestone”.
Compttroller Adelaja with some of the seized items.
ITEMS SEIZED INCLUDE
1. FOREIGN PARBOILED RICE
2030 (50kg) Bags
₦223,300,000.00k
2. USED CLOTHES
28 Bales
₦20,160,000.00k
3. USED SHOES
1 Bale
₦420,000.00k
4. USED REFRIGERATOR COMPRESSORS
28 Pieces
₦1,764,000.00k
5. USED AC COMPRESSORS
8 Pieces
₦252,000.00k
6. USED TYRES
167 Pieces
₦16,032,000.00k
7. PREMIUM MOTOR SPIRIT
167 (25 Liters Kegs)
₦4,592,500.00k
8. CANNABIS SATIVA
660kg
₦21,780,000.00k
9. MEANS OF CONVEYANC@E
3 (₦180,406,102.00k)
TOTAL
₦468,706,602.00k
The seized Foreign Parboiled Rice were concealed in three heavy-duty trucks. Unfortunately, these trucks were used to smuggle prohibited items. These illegal activities do not only undermine the nation’s economic development but also pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
Comptroller Adelaja sounds a note of warning to smugglers who persist in engaging in illegal activities that are detrimental to the economic growth of Nigeria that the Oyo/Osun Area Command will leave no stone unturned to enforce necessary compliance of Customs laws. He assures the general public that the officers and men of the Oyo/Osun Area Command remain resolute in the fight against smuggling and illicit trade, as they will not relent in their efforts to curb these unlawful acts.
He added “On this note, I call on our relevant stakeholders and patriotic citizens to continue extending their maximum support and cooperation in the fight against smuggling and other illegal activities. Your unwavering support is invaluable and will greatly enhance our ability to effectively discharge our duties in safeguarding the nation’s economy”.
He continues to urge his officers and men to continue to give their best as he thanks the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the Customs management team, the press and the general public in their all round support and encouragement for the Command.
For advertisement and more information, please contact us on 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com or send us messages on x@dn_utomi or on Instagram @utomidili.
