Comptroller Mallanta Ibrahim Yusuf, showcasing the seized Tramadol
In its drive against smuggling activities through the sea port and false declaration, the Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Services has continue to strengthen its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs through credible intelligence driven operations which has in turn been yielding positive result.
The Command has in this vibe recorded the seizures of 4x40ft containers laden with unregistered pharmaceuticals (674 cartons of tramadol tablets in 225mg and 120mg, and 805 cartons of codeine syrup in 100ml) at APMT and Sifax 3 bonded terminal respectively.
The importations of these unregistered pharmaceuticals is said to contravene sections 46 & 47 of Customs and Excise Management act CAP C 45 LFN 2004.
Speaking to the press at the Command on Thursday, the Area Controller in charge of the Command, Comptroller Mallanta Ibrahim Yusuf said that the pharmaceutical is a dangerous drugs which can pose serious threat to health of the citizenry and economic well-being of the country and as such, the command is poised to tackle the menace by leaving no stone unturned.
He also disclosed that during the period under review, 2 containers of unprocessed wood and 1 container of scrap copper wire were also seized as their exportation is in breach of schedule 6 (items 4 & 6) of the Common External Tariff (CET).
He hinted that the Duty Paid value of the seized items stood at one billion, seven hundred and sixty million, five hundred and six thousand, three hundred and sixty-three naira (N1,760,506,363.00)
Speaking on the the Command revenue generation for the month under review, Comptroller Yusuf said “The Command in the month of April 2021 collected revenue to the sum of sixty-five billion, four hundred and sixty-three million, three hundred and ninety-eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-five-naira, eighty-five kobo (N65,463,398,355.85).
“This clearly shows an increase of twenty-five billion, five hundred and eighty-five million, five hundred and sixty-one thousand, one hundred and thirty-nine naira, ninety-two kobo (N25,585,561,139.92) when compared to the collection of the same month in the year 2020
” This indicate a percentage increase in collection of 64.%. This unprecedented record has never been achieved in the history of Apapa Area Command” he said.
The Command boss hinted that the achievement recorded so far was as a result of the ever ready men and officers of the Command. ”These unprecedented achievements were made possible because of our Officers resilience and tireless commitment to their duties.
“Nonetheless, we have taken bold initiatives and steps to ensure the collection of appropriate revenue by creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive.
“On this note, on behalf of Officers and men of Apapa Area Command, we extend our profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.) and his Management team for their continuous support and encouragement” Yusuf said.
He however appreciate the stakeholders in the clearance value chain, government agencies operating in the port and the media for their unflinching support towards the realization of the feat.
