… Rakes in N784.8 billion in eleven months
The Apapa command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it has recorded a seizure of thirteen (13) containers with a Duty Paid Value of N285 million in the month of November 202.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim who disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday revealed that a seizure of 46.55kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV Karteria and Chayanee Naree with a street value of N13.2 billion was also recorded on two different occasions.
Ibrahim further informed that the command’s seizure record between January and November 2021 stood at ninety-seven (97) containers with a total Duty Paid Value of N17.5 billion.
While observing that notable among the seized items were hard substance like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, foreign parboiled rice, Tomato paste, used clothings among others, he added that those seizures were made having contravened sections 46, 47 and 161 of Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we would like to reiterate here that we will not compromise proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will also not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared cargo.
“Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port.
“While appreciating our stakeholders and compliant traders for keeping to the rules of engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates of import/export guidelines, I would like to warn perpetrators of illegalities that our officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of unlawful trade”, he said.
He, however, urged the trading public to make sincere declarations, pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid losing their investments and facing prosecution.
On revenue collection, the CAC explained that the Apapa Area command had collected a record-breaking revenue figure of N89.7 billion in November 2021 which, according to him, was the highest monthly collection by any command of the Service.
He continued, “Also, the command’s revenue profile between January and November 2021 stood at N784.8 billion.
“This remarkable feat is a result of improved inter agency synergies, enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of revenue leakages.”
He, therefore, assured that the command remained resolute on contributing to the actualisation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) agenda in the area of increase in revenue collection and non compromise for smuggling.
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