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Comptroller Abba-Kura
Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has in the year 2020 collected the sum of Five hundred and Eighteen billion, Forty-six million, Eight hundred and thirty-two thousand, Sixteen naira and Eighty-four kobo (N518,046,832,016.84) as revenue to the federation and non-federation accounts of the Federal Government, respectively.
The sum total which was generated between the months of January to December, 2020 shows that the revenue profile of the Command has significantly increased by Ninety-four billion, three hundred and seventy-nine thousand, eight hundred and thirty-five thousand, three hundred and fifty-two naira and Fifty-three kobo (N94,379,835,352.53) from the N423.6 billion that was collected in the year 2019. Indicating an increased collection of 22.3%.
Addressing news men on Tuesday as regard the activities of the Command in the year under review, the Custom Area Controller, Comptroller bMohammed Abba-Kura hinted that the Command has been able to further strengthened its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs, through credible intelligence driven operations and continuous partnership with other relevant agencies for effective port management to stem their illegitimate activities.
This, he said is In line with the provision of extant circulars; trade guidelines and enforcement of government fiscal policy measures.
Abba-Kura added that the Command made a total of three hundred and eighteen (318) seizures with Duty Paid Value of Twenty-one billion, One hundred and ninety-six million, Eight hundred and six thousand, Six hundred and thirty seven naira (N21,196,806,637.00). These figures almost tripled the total seizures for the year 2019 which stood at 112 with total Duty Paid value of N12.5 billion.
Some of the seized items include:
He highlighted the seized items to include133 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals which includes tramadol, 58 containers of foreign parboiled rice and 30 containers of vegetable oil.
Other seized items include 31 containers of used clothes and shoes, 13 containers of used tyres, and other sundry items.
Speaking on export trade, the Command boss disclosed that the unit experienced a shit “The export unit also witnessed a boost in its activities. From two hundred and sixty-two thousand and ninety-five metric tons (262,095) in 2019, it rose to one million, three hundred and eleven thousand, three hundred and sixty-five metric tons (1,311,365) in 2020.
“The Free on Board (FOB) value for the exported items equally moved up from $132,760,512.94 million US dollars to $340,884,102.99 million within the period under review. The naira equivalent of the exported items is estimated at One hundred and four billion, Three hundred and ten million, Five hundred and thirty-five thousand, Five hundred and fourteen (104,310,535,514.00) naira only at 306 naira per US Dollar. Items exported include steel bars, agricultural and mineral products among others” he said.
Abba-Kura however noted that the unprecedented achievements were made possible as a result of the doggedness and tireless commitment of the officers and men of the command to their duties, despite the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging economies all over the world. “Nonetheless, as we look forward to a prosperous and glorious year ahead, the Command has taken bold initiatives to ensure the collection of appropriate revenue by creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive” he added.
While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his management team for their continuous support and encouragement, he also extends his appreciation to stakeholders in the clearance value chain, government agencies operating in the port and the media for their continuous support.
“We will reiterate the need for their cooperation in order to move the Command and the service to greater heights”. He said
