Customs Generates N45.23bn, Seize N5.79bn Contraband At Lagos Airport

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMA), Lagos, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, said it generated N45.23 billion from importers at the Airports in the first quarter of 2024.

Speaking to journalists during a press conference of the activities of the command during the first quarter, 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Yusuf, said the revenue collected was 111 per cent higher than what was generated between January to March, 2023.

According to him, the command generated N21.36 billion in 2023 while it generated N45.23 billion in the first quarter of 2024 making a difference of N23.86 billion.

“The year 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 Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, we remained 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.

“Despite these challenges, the Command has surpassed its records for the first quarter of 2024 compared to what was collected the previous year. In the N21.36 billion while in the corresponding period of 2024, the Command recorded N45.23 billion. This represents an appreciable increase of N23.86 billion indicating 111.7 per cent increase,”

Comptroller Yusuf also disclosed to newsmen that the command Intercepted contraband worth N5.79 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

According to him, the contraband included 50 pieces of 9mm live ammunition; 1,164kg sea cucumbers, 58kg of donkey genitals and 17 packages of Tramadol.

“On anti-smuggling , the Command recorded an appreciable increase in its drive which led to the interception of 50 pieces of 9mm live ammunition which was discovered in a joint examination conducted by the Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); 1,164kg sea cucumbers; 58kg of donkey genitals and 17 packages of Tramadol.

“The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the aforementioned items stood at 5.79billion. All the seized items contravene some of the provisions of extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023,” Compt. Yusuf stated.

The Comptroller who appreciated the support of the Controller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for his support to the command, however, urged officers of the command to remain focused and steadfast in discharging their assigned responsibilities.

“Stakeholders Engagement In the area of stakeholder’s engagement, the Command has maintained its open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders. Let me also at this juncture thank our critical Stakeholders, Sister Agencies and the Media for their collaborative efforts and synergy while carrying out our statutory mandate in the state.

“Finally, I want to use this medium to thank the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashiru Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his Management team for their continued support as well as Officers and Men of the Command. I urge them to remain focused and steadfast in discharging their assigned responsibilities,” he stated.