Nigeria Customs Service Boosts Revenue, Cracks Down on Smuggling in Ogun State

 By LOD Onyeji 

The Nigeria Customs Service's Ogun 1 Area Command has reported a significant increase in revenue generation and a robust crackdown on smuggling activities in the region. According to Comptroller Mohammed Shuaibu, the Area Controller, the command collected N43,412,794 in revenue between January and March 2025, surpassing the same period last year by N7,606,232.

Stakeholder Engagement and Border Security

Comptroller Shuaibu attributed the success to the command's efforts in stakeholder engagement, border security, and trade facilitation. He highlighted the command's collaboration with traditional institutions, security agencies, and sister agencies to promote legitimate trade and combat smuggling.

Anti-Smuggling Operations

The command's anti-smuggling operations resulted in 161 seizures, including 7,242 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, and 534 cannabis sativa of various sizes. The cumulative duty paid value of the seizures amounted to N314,057,716.

Trade Facilitation and Corporate Social Responsibility

The command is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and has processed 329.6 metric tonnes of export consignments with a Free on Board Value of N266,966,642. Additionally, the command organized a Festival of Art for economic development, promoting trade economy development and cross-border cooperation.

Conclusion

Comptroller Shuaibu reassured legitimate business communities of the command's maximum cooperation and support in trade facilitation. He warned criminal elements to steer clear of smuggling activities, emphasizing the command's resolve to suppress smuggling and other illicit activities inimical to Nigeria's economic growth.