…steps up patrol for Yuletide
The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has said that it collected a total of N973,540,612.78 in the month of October 2014.
The amount according to the a statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman, Earnest Olottah was the highest monthly revenue collected so far in the year 2014.
The command also made 24 seizures with duty paid value of N32,019,613 comprising of rice, frozen poultry products and other general goods.
Customs Area Controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin described the revenue collection feat as a product of increased compliance by stakeholders and non compromise by customs officers while promising to continue making the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans border illegalities.
Egbudin reiterated the customs resolve to maximally collect all revenue due to the government through customs duty with continuous improvement in the blockage of all identifiable sources of revenue leakages.
While revealing that Seme command has commenced intensified patrols ahead of the yuletide season when smuggling activities are expected to peak, Egbudin said the smugglers who changed route to other areas like Shaki in Oyo State and Idiroko in Ogun State are not finding it easy as the customs operatives there are matching them strength for strength.seizing their wares and crushing their unlawful investments.
” In carrying out the directives of our Controller General, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, I have constantly sensitised and reminded our officers and men on the zero tolerance for smuggling stance.On this, there is no going back. We are sending a strong warning to smugglers that daring us means a venture into big regrets.We are ready to deploy our logistics for intelligence, interdiction,arrest, seizure and diligent prosecution of suspects” Egbudin warned.
He added that ” We shall continue to apply the strategy of enlightenment and sensitisation with all our stakeholders and keep dissuading them from smuggling and other border related unlawful activities.We appreciate those complying for their patriotism and urge those deviating to emulate the good examples for a better economy and brighter future for all Nigerians”
Egbudin further assured all members of the trading public and travelers across the border that customs personnel presence at strategic and approved points are also to assist in facilitation of legitimate trades and promote the state of security at the border and transit routes into Lagos.
