The newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Compt. Kola Oladeji, pledged to prioritize legitimate trade during his tenure. He made this commitment shortly after assuming office, succeeding Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu,leadership reports.
In his assessment of the unit’s recent performance, Compt. Ejibunu revealed that contraband worth N35.9 billion and 386 suspects involved in smuggling activities were apprehended between September 10th, 2021, and April 19th, 2024. He emphasized the unit’s core mandates of revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations, and fostering legitimate trade.
Highlighting achievements during his term, Ejibunu reported 3,189 seizures totaling N35.9 billion in duty-paid value, along with the arrest of 386 suspects. Major seizures included large quantities of foreign parboiled rice, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as well as illicit substances like Indian hemp and tramadol.
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Additionally, the unit facilitated trade by expediting goods and recovering over N2.25 billion through meticulous documentation and demand notices.
Ejibunu also acknowledged the unit’s collaborative efforts with community leaders to reduce attacks on officers, resulting in fewer violent confrontations. He paid tribute to officers who sacrificed their safety, with eight sustaining injuries and five losing their lives in the line of duty. Moreover, he expressed appreciation for the support received from the Nigeria Customs Service management, ensuring morale and logistical backing for the unit’s operations.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ejibunu noted initial challenges with smuggling-related attacks on officers, which were mitigated through sensitization programs and engagement with traditional leaders. Notably, he credited the cooperation of various community leaders for contributing to a decrease in deadly confrontations and attacks. Overall, he cited improved suppression of smuggling, increased revenue recovery, and enhanced trade facilitation as key achievements during his leadership.
