Customs Seize N3bn Worth of Contraband in Four Months – Controller

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service reported that it had seized 250 live turtles, military equipment, and other illegal items valued at N3.32 billion.

Speaking to reporters at the command headquarters on Wednesday, Michael Awe, the command’s Customs Area Controller in charge, revealed this.

He went on to say that between July and October, among other places, Canada Turkiye was the source of the intercepted contraband.

According to Awe, the confiscated goods violated a few current legal restrictions as specified in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.

The total duty paid worth of the seized goods between July and October 2024 was N3.32 billion, demonstrating the remarkable success of efforts to curb illicit trade. These consist of 250 live turtles, 10 packs of cannabis sativa, 50 drones, 175 military helmets, 23 walkie-talkies, and more, according to Awe.

He added that seven packets containing 200 and 225 mg of tramadol hydrochloride, 1.5 kg of pangolin scales, and 0.2 kg of porcupine pins were among the other illegal items that were found.
Additionally, he said that the command’s income collection for the same period in 2023 was N144.2 billion, a 94% increase over the N74 billion earned in 2023.

The command received N144.2 billion in revenue from customs and other levies between January and October of 2024. The sum represents a 94% rise as compared to the N74 billion collected in 2023, showing a progressive difference of N69.9 billion,” he said.

Improved trade facilitation, better stakeholder compliance, efficient law enforcement, “strategic resource deployment, interagency collaboration, efficient cargo clearance, and intelligent risk management strategies” were all cited by Awe as the reasons for the revenue generating.

He underlined that the command has taken steps including expedited clearance processes and improved cargo inspection and examination in an effort to increase tax collection, support lawful trade, and reduce smuggling.

Additionally, he said, the command made sure that frequent stakeholder interactions, cooperation with other security agencies, and enhanced intelligence collection and sharing were all implemented.

Awe gave everyone the assurance that going forward, the command would improve stakeholder engagement, bolster anti-smuggling activities, strengthen trade facilitation measures, and use technology to run operations more effectively.