Ogun 1 Customs Command Records Over N43 Million Revenue, Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Efforts
Nifemi Coker
The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a significant increase in revenue generation and anti-smuggling activities during the first quarter of 2025. The Command collected a total of N43,412,794.00 from import duties and the auction sales of petroleum products (PMS) intercepted during anti-smuggling operations. This figure marks a substantial rise compared to the N7,606,232.00 generated during the same period in 2024.
According to the Command, the revenue stems from importation and exportation of legitimate goods, merchandise in baggage, and items under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS). The Customs Area Controller emphasized the Command’s dedication to supporting legitimate trade activities and facilitating economic growth.
In a strong show of enforcement, the Command’s intelligence-driven anti-smuggling campaign led to 161 seizures across various border points including Abeokuta, Ilaro, and Ipokia/Idiroko axis. Notable among the seized items were 7,242 bags of foreign parboiled rice, including 900 bags seized in a single operation, 535 kegs of PMS (13,375 liters), 843 used tyres, 3 single-barrel long guns, and various sizes of Cannabis Sativa totaling several thousand parcels. The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods amounted to N314,057,716.00.
Seized Cannabis Sativa has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Commander in Abeokuta, while the remaining parcels are set to be handed over to the agency’s representative.
In line with its mandate to facilitate trade, the Command processed 329.6 metric tonnes of export consignments from January to March 2025. These consignments had a Free on Board (FOB) value of N266,966,642.00. The Customs Controller reiterated the Command’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for lawful business and advised traders to avoid any form of illicit trade that could damage their reputation and harm the economy.
The Command has also taken steps to contribute to community development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Under the Nigerian Customs Service’s “Customs Cares” initiative, the Ogun 1 Command organized a week-long Festival of Art for Economic Development held from 8th to 15th February 2025. Themed “Cross-Border Trade: What it is and Why it Matters,” the program aimed to foster cross-border cooperation and economic development through art. Participants included lecturers, artisans, art promoters, secondary school students, and various stakeholders, who showcased their talents while being educated on the benefits of legitimate trade and the dangers of smuggling.
The Command reiterated its dedication to enforcing customs laws, supporting legal trade, and enhancing its relationship with border communities through both enforcement and developmental programs.
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