Customs intercepts 1, 043 bags of rice, 452 tyres, PMS, others in Oyo, Osun

By Oluseye Ojo

The Nigerian Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, has intercepted 1, 043 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 452 pieces of used tyres, two bales of used clothes and 233 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Oyo and Osun States.

The Area Controller for the command, Joseph Olugbuyi Adelaja, .made the disclosure on Friday during his maiden press briefing since he took over the leadership of the command three weeks ago.

According to him, since he officially assumed office as the Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command on 7th February 2025, the command has remained committed to its core mandates of revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations.

His words: “Within two weeks of my assumption of duty, the command has intercepted and seized several high-profile smuggling consignments, including the seizure of foreign rice, second-hand clothing, Premium Motor Spirit and used tyres.

“These seizures have a duty paid valued of ₦165,387,000. The interception and seizure of these prohibited and uncustomed items have prevented the illegal inflow of products that undermine local industries, particularly rice farmers and manufacturers in the region.”

The contraband items included 1,043 bags (50 kg each) of foreign parboiled rice, with DPV of ₦114,730,000. The items also comprised 452 pieces of used tyres with DPV of ₦43,392,000; two bales of used clothes with DPV of ₦1,440,000; as well as 233 kegs (25 litres each) of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) with DPV of ₦5,825,000.

Adelaja continued: “Under my leadership, the command was able to collect the sum of ₦2,048,487,969 as revenue covering the period of 1 February to 27 February 2025. This revenue collected reflects the diligence and efficiency of our officers and men in ensuring compliance with extant Customs laws and policies.

“The Oyo/Osun Area Command has significantly reduced tax evasion through the adoption of advanced technology, such as the deployment of improved data analytics, which has enabled the Command to monitor trade flows and identify discrepancies effectively.”