IBADAN – In a major boost to Nigeria’s economy, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced a staggering revenue generation of ₦25.77 billion between March and May 2025 — marking a 36.67% increase from the same period last year.
This announcement was made by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Joseph Adelaja, during a press briefing held on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“In light of the ongoing economic reforms, the command successfully generated ₦25,777,379,328.17 from March to May this year. This is a significant leap from the ₦18.17 billion collected in the same period in 2024,” Adelaja revealed.
While touting the revenue success, Adelaja also disclosed a massive clampdown on smuggling operations. In the month of May alone, contraband items worth ₦335.65 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV) were intercepted by operatives.
The seized items include:
- 310 used compressors cleverly concealed in apple cartons (DPV: ₦9.3 million)
- 1,698 bags (50kg) of foreign parboiled rice (DPV: ₦153.78 million)
- 130 kegs (25L) of Premium Motor Spirit and 21 drums of fuel (DPV: ₦6.4 million)
- 226 used tyres (DPV: ₦18.08 million)
- 130 wraps, 67 sacks, 37 bales of used clothes, and 4 sacks of used shoes (Total DPV: ₦96.2 million)
- 68 wraps (39kg) of Cannabis Sativa (DPV: ₦1.23 million)
But perhaps most disturbing were the fake pharmaceutical products seized by the command — a haul that raises serious public health concerns.
The intercepted counterfeit medical products included:
- 10 cartons of Everzorol Cream (₦4.5 million)
- 5 cartons of Zytocin Oxytocin (₦1.8 million)
- 27 cartons of Phinimal Arteether Injection (₦12.96 million)
- 10 cartons of Areechy Zink Sulphate (₦15 million)
- 16 cartons of Biovilo 13.125mg (₦2.4 million)
Also impounded were two vehicles allegedly used for transportation: a white Mazda bus (₦5 million) and a metallic blue Toyota Sienna (₦9 million).
Adelaja stressed that the command remains committed to safeguarding lives and shielding local industries from the economic sabotage of smuggling and counterfeit products.
“We’re not just collecting revenue — we’re protecting lives. We’re ensuring that substandard and harmful goods don’t make it into our markets or homes.”
He confirmed that approval had been given to hand over the seized Cannabis to the NDLEA and the fake pharmaceutical items to NAFDAC for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Comptroller Adelaja expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, BA Adeniyi, and his management team for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers, and sister security agencies in Oyo and Osun for their collaborative efforts.
As Nigeria continues its push for economic stability, the success of the Oyo/Osun Customs Command is a strong reminder that firm enforcement and cooperation between institutions remain critical to national development.
“Together, we can build a system that rewards integrity, punishes sabotage, and delivers real change for our people,” Adelaja concluded.
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