In line with the Service core mandate of revenue generation, suppression of smuggling and trade facilitation, the Muritala Muhammed Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service has generated revenue to the tune of eighty billion, three hundred and fifty-one million, two hundred and ninety-nine thousand and sixty-eight naira (N80,351,299,068.00) on Customs duty and other charges within the period of January through June 2024.
Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe disclosed this at the Command, on Tuesday 23rd July during his first press briefing since his assumption as the Command CAC.
Comparing the revenue collected same period of 2023, Comptroller Awe disclosed that it stood at thirty-eight billion, seven hundred and seven million, fifty-four thousand, two hundred and sixteen naira, forty-four kobo only (38,707,054,216.44).
This amount he said, clearly shows a progressive difference of forty one billion, six hundred and forty four million, two hundred and forty six thousand, eight hundred and fifty one naira, fifty six kobo only (N41,644,246,851.56), indicating an increase of 107.5%.
Comotroller Awe hinted that the difference recorded was made possible as a result of resilience of officers of the Command in ensuring that agents were made to make proper declarations and to adhere strictly to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws.
Speaking on the Command anti-smuggling drive , he said that Officers and Men of the Command are not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade regulations.
He listed the item seized within the period under review to include 5packages of 250mgs of Tramadol, 12packages of 225mg of Tramadol, 1package of fifty round 9mm live ammunition and 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers.
Others are 3packages of dried donkey male genitals and 55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifles.
The Command boss hinted that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items stood at six billion, sixty four million, nine hundred and eighty seven thousand, four hundred and eighty naira, twenty seven kobo (N6,064,987,480.27K).
Awe disclosed that the items were seized because of various forms of infractions that range from false declarations, non- adherence to import/export guidelines and failure to comply with other extant regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.
Speaking on export trade within the period under review, Comptroller Awe said that the Command recorded the exportation of goods worth two hundred and sixty six million, six hundred and fifty five thousand, one hundred and thirteen naira, sixty six kobo only (N266,655,113.66K) from the country with an FOB value of two hundred and four thousand, five hundred and ninety seven dollars, seven cents ($204,597.07).
Speaking in the area of stakeholder’s engagement, Comptroller Awe said, “We have been maintaining an open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
“At this juncture, let me reiterate my call to our esteemed partners in the clearance value chain to always brace up to the emerging challenges as we work together to move the country forward.
“I appreciate Officers and Men of this Area Command for their dedication to the noble course of fighting this monster called smuggling. I implore them to always adhere strictly to the rules of engagements while discharging their statutory duties”, the CAC quipped.
He however appreciate the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for always making available the leverage to perform.
He also appreciate stakeholders and other security agencies for their show of concern and collaboration with the Service for their continuous support.
