…records 13.88% revenue growth, seizures valued at ₦4.1bn

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Oyo/Osun Area Command, generated ₦65.66 billion between January and August 2026, representing a 13.88 per cent increase over the ₦57.66 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2025.

The Command also recorded seizures with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦4.11 billion in August 2026, including a pistol, six pistol magazines, a pump-action magazine, detonating cord, police crests and camouflage uniform fabric.

Acting Area Controller of the Command, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Wale Moses Adewole, disclosed this on Thursday, September 17, 2026, during a press briefing at the Command’s Operational Headquarters in Ibadan.

Adewole said the revenue performance reflected the Command’s sustained efforts to strengthen compliance, facilitate legitimate trade and improve revenue collection through strategic enforcement and stakeholder engagement.

“Between January and August 2026, the Command generated a total revenue of ₦65,661,343,026.94, compared with ₦57,656,161,990.24 collected during the same period in 2025. This represents a 13.88 per cent increase,” he said.

According to him, the Command’s revenue growth was driven by its commitment to effective collection, trade facilitation, stakeholder engagement and the deployment of strategies aimed at improving compliance.

The Acting Controller said the Command intensified its anti-smuggling operations during August, leading to the interception of various prohibited and restricted items.

Among the seized goods were 2,012 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 550 bags of 25kg foreign parboiled rice, 2,440 wraps of Cannabis Sativa, 1,150 used tyres, 101 used compressors and 48 packs of 225mg Tramadol.

The seizures also included 105 bales and 28 sacks of used clothing, 18 sacks of used shoes, 450 kegs of PMS, 33 bottles of foreign vegetable oil, 30 bags of foreign sugar, 17 used vehicles and 10 means of conveyance.

Other items intercepted were 573 Nigeria Police Force crests, 92 yards of Nigeria Police Force camouflage uniform fabric and 10 containers of Corrosive 8 Mercury.

The Command further seized one jack knife, one pistol, six pistol magazines, one pump-action magazine and 60 detonating cords.

Adewole said the seizures underscored the Command’s determination to prevent prohibited goods and materials capable of threatening national security and public safety from entering circulation.

Of particular concern, he said, was the interception of the police crests and camouflage uniform materials, warning that their unauthorised possession and movement could have serious security implications.

“The unauthorised possession and movement of security agency uniforms can create serious security concerns, particularly in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country,” Adewole said.

He explained that criminal elements could exploit such materials to impersonate law enforcement personnel, gain unauthorised access to restricted locations or facilitate criminal activities.

“The interception therefore underscores the importance of preventing the diversion of security-related materials into the wrong hands,” he added.

The Acting Controller also drew attention to the interception of Corrosive 8 Mercury, describing it as a hazardous substance capable of posing significant risks when improperly handled, stored or transported.

He said the uncontrolled movement of hazardous materials could expose members of the public to fire, explosion, injury and property damage, with potentially fatal consequences.

According to him, the interception helped prevent potentially dangerous materials from entering circulation and being handled by unauthorised persons.

Adewole attributed the Command’s successes to the vigilance and professionalism of its officers and men, stressing that intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies remained critical to effective border and economic security.

“These interceptions demonstrate the vigilance, professionalism and commitment of our officers and men, as well as the importance of intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.

The Acting Area Controller assured that the Command would continue to strengthen revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade and combating smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage.

“The Oyo/Osun Area Command remains committed to improving revenue generation, facilitating legitimate trade and sustaining the fight against smuggling and other forms of economic sabotage,” he said.

He added that the Command would pay particular attention to items with implications for national security and public safety without unnecessarily obstructing legitimate businesses and law-abiding citizens.

Adewole also appealed to stakeholders to support the Service in its statutory responsibilities and commended the media for its continued partnership and responsible reportage of Customs activities.

He assured that the Command would continue to discharge its mandate professionally and in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.