By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Tin-Can Island command of the Nigeria Customs Services(NCS) on Friday, disclosed that the command collected the sum of N274.32 billion as revenue between January and June 2022.
This shows a 27.50 per cent increase when compared with N2229.32 billion collected in the corresponding period of 2021.
Briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Lagos,the customs Area Controller , Comptroller Olakunle Oloyede, said the command witnessed an increase in export activities for the first half of the 2022 fiscal year, he added that it recorded an outward throughput in export cargo to the tune of 138.246 metric tons representing an increase of 73% from 100,500 metric tons recorded in 2021 with Free On Board (FOB) value of N100,447,304,814.00.
Under Enforcement and Anti-Smuggling activities, the command made various seizures and detentions during the period under review, those seizures
includes 145kg of Colorado (Indian hemp) concealed in two units of Ridgeline trucks and two units of Toyota Corolla vehicles, 206,000 pieces of machetes, 640 bales of used clothes and 236,500 pieces of used shoes.
“Others are 62,500 pieces of new lady’s shoes, 1,670,400 pieces of chloroquine injections (5mg/5ml), 1,814,400 pieces Novalgen injection (500mg/5ml), 48,850 rolls of cigarettes and 23,800 tins of sodium bromate & baking powder.
“In addition to the above other detentions made include 3,303 pieces of motor batteries found in three containers falsely declared as three units of used Toyota Hiace buses, four units of used Mack truck heads, 1 unit of Mercedes Benz GL450 2008 model and 1 unit of used 2011 Toyota 4Runner.
He indicated that the importers forged his signature to facilitate clearance.
Compt. Oloyede said the eagle eyes of his officer detected that his signature was forged, and assured that the suspects would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.
He noted that the service handed over one suspect, one arm pistol gun, two empty magazines and 300 rounds of live ammunition to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further action.
Compt. Oloyede pointed out that the import of the seizures and items detained contravened Sections 46, 47& 161 of the Customs & Excise Management. Act (CEMA) Cap 45 LFN 2004.
“The Duty Paid Value of the total seizures amounted to N1, 301,901,685.12.
“It is important to acknowledge the critical role played by the Customs Intelligence Unit, the Valuation unit, Customs Strike force, FOU as well as interventions by sister regulatory agencies in making these seizures and detentions,” he said.
On import, he noted that the command had recorded an outward throughput in the export cargo of 138,246.50 metric tonnes representing an increase by 73 per cent from 100,500 metric tonnes recorded in 2021, with a Free on Board value of N100,447,304,814.00.
“This also represents an increase of 60 per cent from N66,294,630,421 recorded in the fiscal year 2022.
On the Vehicle Identification Number Valuation service, he said that after the initial challenges faced in the implementation of the VIN-valuation had helped the command to achieve an expedited clearance process.
He said that the command would continue to provide a good working environment for trade through continuous engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
Compt. Oloyede also give special recognition to members of the press for their individual support through objective report of the commands activities, also appreciate the officers and men of the command for their contributions.
