THE Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) says it raked in over N136 billion as revenue from January to May this year just as it frustrated efforts by a syndicate to export various prohibited goods.
The Customs Area Comptroller, Mr. Mohammed Jubrin, who made these disclosures in Lagos, said the command’s enforcement unit effected a number of detentions which included containers with different items, such as frozen fish, medicaments, pharmaceuticals which were falsely declared and resulted to under payment of customs duties.
“We have also intercepted and detained some export containers of scrap metal, wet Blue (leather and unprocessed wood) which falls under export prohibition, Mr Jubrin further informed, concluding that “investigations are ongoing and sanctions will be applied in line with extant laws.”
On the spike in the generated revenue, the Custom boss disclosed that it represents 38.78 percent of N98billion collected within the same period the previous year
Apart from the revenue generated from import duties, he continued, over N1.8billion was also realized from identified infractions within the period under review.
Sounding jubilant, Jubrin informed that on resumption of office, he explained to his officers that value addition must be a propelling force for the command’s team.
“This implies that we all must be committed to adding value that will leave the command progressively better each day.
“The principle over time has been internalized by officers and men of the command hence an impressive result recorded in the first five months of the year.” He added
The Custom command’s boss assured prospective exporters of made in Nigeria products and raw materials of his commands determination to facilitate a flawless trade process.
“I have already held meetings with all the critical agencies and we have rubbed minds on the smooth operations of the Customs examination centre within Apapa port, the system will continue to be perfected as the project progresses with intention to reduce human contact as well as time spent on cargo clearance,” he further informed.