…Collects N312 billion in first six months of 2024
The Area II Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS with headquarters in Onne, Rivers State has intercepted seven (7) 40ft containers of illicit good in its anti-smuggling drive.
The seven containers were found to contain 1,054,400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml); 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter; 2,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg) and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg).
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede who gave the details of the seized containers put the Duty Paid Value, DPV of the consignments at Eleven billion, Two hundred million naira (N11,200,000,000.) which he said represented a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who would be arrested as a result of further investigation.
Expressing his worry over the unrepentant nature of the some Nigerians who import these illicit items even as they continue to suffer huge losses, Comptroller Babandede hinted that the seized Cough Syrup, Codeine and Tablets would be handed over formally to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in due course for further investigation.
“You are aware that on the 1st of this month, the Controller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi mfr dsm fnipr fniia psc (+) was in the Command and he address members of the fourth realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.
“Despite his warming on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guideline and procedures.
Notwithstanding, in the face of challenging security situation in the Country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continued to step up its security function in the area of policing our seaport in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.
“It is with joy that I inform you that the command has again recorded another significant breakthrough over these unpatriotic people who do not have the interest of our nation at heart as attested by the seizures on display today.
“We wish to reiterate the resolve of the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne under the present Comptroller General of Customs will not tolerate any action that compromises the economy and security of our beloved nation”, he said.
On revenue collection, the CAC informed that the command in the first half of the year collected a total of Three Hundred and Twelve Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Three Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty Four naira and Fifty Eight Kobo (N312,094,367,124.58) which he said translated to 50.5 percent of the annual target given to the command.
“As at this morning, the command has collected Forty-Eight billion, Fifty Six Million, Eight hundred and Six Thousand, Six hundred and Ninety Two naira (N48,056,806,692.00) in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month. We are determined to increase our revenue profile and at the same time working tirelessly in protecting public health and safety.
Send your press invite, news, press releases/articles to augustinenwadinamuo@yahoo.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @PrimetimeRepor1 and on Facebook on facebook.com/primetimereporters or call the editor on 07030661526.
