UNBRIDLED TASTE FOR FOREIGN GOODS RESPONSIBLE FOR INCESSANT SMUGGLING IN NIGERIA—COMPT ORAMALUGO
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Unbridled taste for foreign goods has been identified as a major reason associated with incessant smuggling of dangerous goods into the country.
Area controller of the Seme/Badagry customs command, Compt Ben Oramalugo, PhD disclosed as a guest speaker at the Redeemer’s University International Model United Nations Conference now ongoing.
He highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Customs service in national development, emphasizing trade facilitation, revenue generation, anti-smuggling activities as well as national security as its core mandates.
Oramalugo stressed the importance of integrity, patriotism and the detrimental effects of smuggling on the economy and the society. He regretted that though, Nigeria remains a leading rice producer yet facing challenges in local patronage.
‘When we fail to buy local rice, we kill our factories’ he deposed.
The Area Controller also warned about the dangers of smuggled fake drugs, second hand clothing, used tyres and other uncustoms goods which pose severe health and safety risks. Expatiating on the role of Customs in Nation building, he outlined three core responsibilities of the service which stand it out, thus;
1. Trade Facilitation: Simplifying customs processes to enhance legitimate trade and economic growth.
2. Revenue Generation: Contributing significantly to national revenue, with the NCS generating over ₦6 trillion last year.
3. Anti-smuggling and National Security: Preventing the entry of prohibited and harmful goods while collaborating with other agencies to safeguard the nation.
Global Standards & Best Practices: He referenced the Arusha Declaration and other international conventions, emphasizing their role in enhancing customs integrity, harmonizing procedures, and combating illicit activities.
During an interview at the event, Comptroller Oramalugo praised the leadership of Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, describing him as “the best CGC in Africa.” He commended the CGC’s numerous achievements and recognition, including “Outstanding Revenue Collection” Award by the Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the recent Sun Newspaper’s “Best Public Servant of the Year” award.
Comptroller Dr. Oramalugo expressed his gratitude to Redeemer’s University for the opportunity to engage with young leaders and enlighten them on the vital contributions of the Nigeria Customs Service to national progress.