MMA Customs generates N80.3bn in six months

The Customs Area Command at Muritala Muhammed Area Command has generated N80.3 billion in the first half of the year.

The Customs Area Controller of MMAC, Michael Awe, told newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that the amount doubled the N38.7 billion revenue generated in the first half of 2023.

He said that the additional N41.6 billion difference represented a 107.5 per cent increase when compared to the revenue generated in the same period of last year.

Awe attributed the increase in revenue generation to the support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi and his management team.

He said that the difference recorded in the revenue collection was made possible by officers’ resilience in ensuring that agents made proper declarations and strict adherence to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws.

In the area of anti-smuggling, Awe said officers were not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade regulations.

“The Command made the following seizures of five packages of 250mg tramadol, 12 packages of 225mg tramadol, and one package of 50-round 9mm live ammunition.

“Other seizures include 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers, three packages of dried donkey male genitals, and 55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifles.

“The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the aforementioned items stood at N6.06 billion.

“These items are seized mainly because of various forms of infractions which range from false declarations, non-adherence to import/export guidelines, and failure to comply with other extant regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023,” Awe said.

The MMIA customs boss said that the command recorded N266.6 million of exported goods within the period under review, with a FOB value of $204.59 thousand.

On the command’s stakeholder engagements, he explained that the command established an open-door policy which had helped in resolving many issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.

“Let me reiterate my call to our esteemed partners in the clearance value chain to always brace up to the emerging challenges as we work together to move the country forward,” he said.

Awe commended officers of the Command for their dedication to the noble cause of fighting smugglers, adding that they should adhere strictly to the rules of engagement while discharging their statutory duties.

He appreciated the contributions of the genuine stakeholders, other security agencies, and the media for their continuous support.

NAN.