LAGOS/Nigeria: The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) revealed a significant financial milestone, announcing the generation of N74.29 billion from customs duty and associated charges during the period from January to October 2023. This announcement came from the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Yusuf, during a press conference held on Wednesday in Lagos.
Yusuf emphasized the noteworthy increase, stating that this figure represented a notable 23.69% growth compared to the N60.06 billion achieved during the corresponding period in 2022. He further highlighted that the command had successfully achieved 76.34% of its annual target within this timeframe.
“The resilience of officers in ensuring proper declarations by agents and strict adherence to import/export guidelines in line with existing laws made this accomplishment possible,” remarked Yusuf.
Addressing the command’s anti-smuggling activities, Yusuf asserted the relentless enforcement of government fiscal policies and trade guidelines. He disclosed a recent interception involving unregistered pharmaceutical products suspected to be Tramadol tablets of 225mg originating from India and Pakistan.
“The intercepted shipment raised suspicions of surpassing the approved threshold set by the Federal Government. The cumulative Duty Paid Value of these items amounted to N3.57 billion, slated for handover to the required authority,” Yusuf elaborated.
Yusuf also highlighted the command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, maintaining an open-door policy and resolving several issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.
Expressing gratitude, Yusuf commended the collaborative efforts of critical stakeholders, sister agencies, and the media. He extended appreciation to the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for fostering an enabling environment. Yusuf urged officers of the command to remain resolute and dedicated in executing their assigned responsibilities.
The report from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command underscores the NCS’s commitment to robust enforcement and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve fiscal targets and curb illicit trade activities.
