By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has generated over N264.5 billion as revenue in the first quarter of 2022.
Customs Area Controller, Compt. Malanta Yusuf, while reviewing the first quarter operations of the command on Thursday, said that the amount collected represented a 65.7 per cent increase when compared to N159 billion generated in the same period in 2021.
He said: “This amount collected(N264,536,201,293.71) shows a significant increase of N104 billion as against 159 billion naira collected in the corresponding months of the year 2021, representing 65.7% increase in revenue collection.”
He attributed the increase in revenue to improved service through the information technology (IT) platforms, which he said helped to plug revenue leakages, and sustain the level of compliance by importers and other stakeholders in the cargo clearance value chain.
Under exports, he said, the command recorded export of agricultural goods, mineral resources, steel and more to the tune of over N34 billion, and additional cargoes with Free-on-Board (FoB) value of over $87 million, compared to N30.2 billion, and FOB value of $82.1 million recorded in 2021.
Speaking on the Command’s anti-smuggling operations, Yusuf said that 46 seizures were made within the period under review as against 28 seizures made in the corresponding months of the year 2021.
“The enforcement unit has been strengthened through strict monitoring, enhanced collaboration and sharing of credible intelligence with relevant government agencies to suppress smuggling activities to its barest minimum.
The seized items include; unregistered medicaments such as tramadol and codeine syrup, unprocessed wood, used clothing, and footwear, foreign parboiled rice and other sundry items that fall under prohibition list.
He added that the items contravene sections 46 and 47 of Customs and Excise Management Act, CEMA CAP C45 LFN 2004.
Yusuf urged stakeholders to join forces with the command and ensure that items that are on the import/export prohibition list are strictly adhered to and also prepare for the emerging realities of customs examination through non-intrusive inspection (NII) regime
“The non-intrusive inspection regime is
targeted at increasing volume of cargo inspection, saving cost/clearing time,
storing reliable data and Images for reference purposes and reducing human contact in the examination of containerized cargoes leading to delay in the clearance time”, he explained.
Comptroller, Apapa Command of NCS, Malanta Yusuf (middle) and flanked by A.Y Odusanya, and A.G Bello during a press conference in Lagos.
