Ogun Customs surpasses monthly revenue target of N34million

 

. Customs Comptroller lays foundation for N500m 30-bed hospital in Bauchi

MICHAEL-AZEEZ OGUNSIJI

 

ABEOKUTA – The Nigerian Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command recorded another milestone achievements for the second quarter of 2024, generating an impressive revenue of Ninety-two Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-seven (N92,369,227) Naira.

 

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command, Comptroller James Ojo who disclosed this to newsmen on Monday said the revenue represents about 52.46% increase compared to the Fifty-two million, Nine Hundred and Eighty-three Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-two (N53,983,622) Naira recorded in corresponding period of 2023.

 

According to the Customs Boss, the Command has surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024.

 

Comptroller Ojo maintained that, the achievements was a testament to the diligence, commitment and professionalism of the command’s revenue target.

 

He emphasized that, the increased revenue was an indicative of the command’s unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of the country.

 

The command equally intercepted 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres and 64 bales of 222 sacks of used clothes.

 

Other intercepted goods include, 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles and 115 pairs of used shoes with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N770, 666,237.

 

Comptroller Ojo stressed that, the seizures represented the relentless fight against smuggling and determination to protect the local economy, ensure public health and safety and uphold the integrity of the borders.

 

“These interceptions also underscore the importance of continuous vigilance,

collaboration, and the need for a united front in the fight against smuggling and other economic crimes.

 

“As we reflect on these achievements, it is essential to recognize that our success would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of our traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State. Your unwavering support, valuable insights, and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in our operations. It is in this spirit of collaboration that I embarked on a courtesy visit to our revered traditional rulers and security agencies.

 

“The purpose of these visits was to foster synergy and collaboration in combating smuggling and enhancing economic growth and national security. By

working together, sharing intelligence, and leveraging our collective strengths, we

can create a more secure and prosperous environment for our people. The support of our traditional rulers is invaluable, as they are the custodians of our cultural heritage and play a critical role in maintaining peace and order in our communities.

 

“To our security agencies, your partnership and unwavering commitment to duty are commendable. Together, we have made significant strides in ensuring the safety and security of our borders. Our combined efforts are a powerful force against those who seek to undermine our economy and compromise our national security.”

Customs comptroller lays foundation for N500m 30-bed hospital in Bauchi

Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi laying foundation of the 30-bed ultramodern hospital valued at N500 million at Zone D Headquarters, Bauchi, on Monday.

 

Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, has laid the foundation for the construction of a 30-bed ultramodern hospital valued at N500 million at Zone D Headquarters, Bauchi.

 

The state-of-the-art medical edifice is being sponsored by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative under its Security Sector Support Grant at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘D’ Headquarters, Bauchi.

 

The groundbreaking, which was held on Monday, is coming after the presentation of letters of award to Nigeria’s security agencies in December 2022 by the MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh.

 

The NCS Comptroller General thanked the chairman of ASR Africa for the grant awarded to the agency, saying that the gesture is worthy of mention as it is the first of such a huge donation to the Nigeria Customs Service from any organisation.

 

He said, “We are indeed happy to be a proud recipient of this project, which we hope will enhance the capacity and welfare of our personnel and those of our communities where we serve.

 

“The mandate of the Nigeria Customs Service is very clear. We are dispersed all over the country to discharge those key mandates: generating revenue for the country, controlling and managing smuggling, and facilitating trade. These are onerous responsibilities to be discharged by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.

 

“For the effective delivery of these mandates, we have to look after the welfare of our officers, we have to be concerned about the health of their families, and we also have to look after the wealth and the health of members of the community where we operate.

 

 

“This is why the Nigeria Customs Service has put in place a robust welfare program to take care of the health and the needs of our officers. Under the current budget, the Nigeria Customs Service must put up several medical facilities in all our Zonal Headquarters.

“So, we have a project that is ongoing, Zone A in Lagos, we have one in Kaduna, we have one in Port Harcourt and we are happy that we have found a reputable partner that has chosen to work with us to deliver a world-class 30-bed hospital we have in Zone D, Bauchi.”

 

In his speech at the groundbreaking, the MD, ASR Africa, Udoh, reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to fulfilling the pledges made to the security agencies across Nigeria.

 

He further stated that ASR Africa has engaged with all the beneficiaries of the security grant and is on track to ensure the implementation of all projects selected by the armed forces and security agencies. He thanked the leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service for partnering with ASR Africa on this project.

 

“This project is also a reflection of the kind of leadership that the Customs are fortunate to have. This project could have been anything, but the leadership decided to build a hospital putting the health of the men, women, officers, and families in the Nigeria Customs Service first,” Udoh said.

 

Recall that the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu, on his visit to the immediate past President of Nigeria in December 2022, announced a N10 billion grant to the Nigerian Armed Forces and security agencies.

This grant, part of the Security Sector Support grant, is aimed at providing support for security agencies in the country and the armed forces to effectively and efficiently fulfill their mandate to the Nigerian people.

Other beneficiaries include the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of Secret Services, Nigeria Police, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Correctional Service.