Vincent Ezenagu
The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC), has announced a remarkable revenue growth of N144.2 billion from January to October 2024.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Michael Awe, during a press briefing at the command on 20 Wednesday, November 2024, stated that the revenue collected represents a 94% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
He attributed the achievement to enhanced trade facilitation and improved stakeholder compliance, among others. “The command implemented initiatives such as streamlined clearance procedures, enhanced cargo inspection, improved intelligence gathering sharing, collaboration with other security agencies, and regular stakeholders engagement.”
On Anti-smuggling, the CAC highlighted seizures of military accoutrements, Canadian Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol tablets, live turtles among others with a DPV of N3.3 billion.
He noted that the seized items contravened some of the provisions of the extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.
Details include: 23 pieces of Walkie Talkies, 175 Pieces of Military Helmets, 50 Pieces of Drones, 10 Packs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa, 250 pieces of Live Turtles, 7 packages of 200mg & 225mg of Tramadol Hydrochloride, 1.5kg of Pangolin Scales and 0.2kg of Porcupine pins.
Meanwhile, the Area Controller, during a routine parade, praised officers and men for their hard work and dedication towards the command’s achievements.
“You have done very well, in the area of revenue, even in enforcement duties. As a matter of fact, in the history of this command, we broke a record of over N20 billion in revenue collection in September, which has never happened before,” Awe stated.
He urged them to continue demonstrating exceptional teamwork and commitment to excellence, as their efforts have not gone unnoticed and are truly appreciated.
