The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command has raked in a total sum of N45,232,483,538 as revenue for the 1st quarter of 2024, indicating a 111.7% increase when compared to the N21.3 billion collected in the 1st quarter of 2023.
While briefing newsmen at the command on Monday, 8th April, 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Yusuf, noted that the Command remains resolute in meeting its revenue target despite daunting challenges.
He said, “2024 is fraught with numerous global challenges, and Nigeria is not exempted; important sectors of the economy are adversely affected due to the unstable exchange rate.
“However, for us in the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command remains resolute at ensuring that we collect the much-needed revenue for the Federal Government and also ensure the safety and well-being of the citizenry through curbing smuggling to its barest minimum while facilitating legitimate import and export trades”.
On Anti-Smuggling, the CAC stated the command recorded an appreciable increase in its anti-smuggling drive, which led to the interception of fifty 50 pieces of 9mm live ammunition, discovered in a joint examination conducted by the Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The items seized in the first quarter include 1,164kg of sea cucumbers, 58kg of donkey genitals and 17 packages of Tramadol, with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N5,794,099,371.12k.
According to Comptroller Yusuf, “all the seized items contravene some of the provisions of extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.”
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Regarding stakeholder engagement, the Area Controller said the Command has maintained its open-door policy and resolved many issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
He appreciated critical Stakeholders and Sister Agencies for their collaborative efforts and synergy. At the same time, the command carried out its statutory mandate in the state, also urging officers and men of the command to remain focused and steadfast in discharging their assigned responsibilities.
