Why We Split Ogun Customs Command – Comptroller Michael Agbara

In a bid to enhance administrative efficiency and boost revenue generation for the Service, the Nigeria Customs Service has unbundled its Ogun State Command, splitting it into two.

The state Area Comptroller of the Service, Michael Agbara who disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the state headquarters, Idi-Iroko, Yewa South Local Government Area of the state said the development was arrived at during the Nigeria Customs Service Board at its 50th regular meeting held on 21st May, 2019.

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According to Agbara, the state would now have two area commands – Ogun Area 1 and Ogun Area 2, saddled with different responsibilities within the state.

While explaining that Ogun Area 1 will oversee the regulation and enforcement of all import, export and anti-smuggling related activities in the state with its headquarters at Idiroko, Area 2 will on the other hand focus on the responsibilities of enforcing and regulating all Excise, Free Trade Zone and Parcel Post related activities.

He said, “It will interest you to know that the Management of Nigeria Customs Service has formally communicated a development directing the unbundling and creation of eight new Area Commands within the Service.

“Ogun Command is privileged to be among the beneficiaries, with a view to enhancing administrative efficiency and boosting revenue generation for the Service.”

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He added, “The two brand new Area Commands in Ogun state are Ogun I and Ogun II Area Commands. Ogun 1 will have an area of coverage relating to regulation and enforcement of all import, export and anti-smuggling related activities in Ogun state with Headquarters at Idiroko.

“While Ogun II Area Command will be saddled with the responsibilities of enforcing and regulating all Excise (industries under Excise control), Free Trade Zone and Parcel Post related activities in Ogun state with Headquarters at Abeokuta.

“This visionary development is based on the outcome of the Nigeria Customs Service Board at its 50th Regular meeting held on 21st May 2019”.

The Nigeria Customs Service established over a century ago is saddled with the responsibilities of revenue collection (import /excise duties & other taxes /levies) and accounting for same; anti-smuggling activities; security functions; generating statistics for planning and budgetary purposes; monitoring foreign exchange utilization.

Others are engaging in research, planning and enforcement of fiscal policies of government; manifest processing; licensing and registration of customs agents; registration and designation of collecting banks; and working in collaboration with other government agencies in all approved ports and border stations.

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