The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kebbi Command, has reported revenue generation of over N36 million in the third quarter of 2024 and seized goods valued at over N323 million during the same period.
Comptroller Iheanacho Ojike, speaking at a media briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters in Birnin-Kebbi on Friday, October 25, stated, “The Kebbi Command has generated a total revenue of N36,223,554.50 for Q3 2024,” he stated.
In addition to its revenue achievements, the Kebbi Command seized various smuggled goods with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N323,065,567.
These items include “367 bales of secondhand clothing, 16,300 litres of PMS, 74 cartons of various medicaments, 180 pieces of donkey skin, and two litres of oxidised nitric acid,” according to Ojike.
He further elaborated, “Additional items included a DAF truck and a Toyota Corolla used for smuggling activities.”
Anti-smuggling efforts
The Customs Area Controller outlined a multi-pronged approach to curbing smuggling activities in Kebbi State, leading to the apprehension of five suspects. These individuals are currently on administrative bail while investigations are ongoing.
He emphasized that the Command’s approach involves not only enforcement but also community engagement. “Our efforts have been deliberate, bringing all trading communities together to stress compliance and the importance of avoiding products that could harm public health or damage the economy,” Ojike said.
Ojike also mentioned that the Command has actively engaged local stakeholders, educating them about customs regulations and encouraging adherence to legal trading practices. This initiative aims to foster a collaborative approach to compliance and public safety.
Ojike disclosed that a key development expected to bolster revenue is the planned reopening of the Tsamiya-Sebgana border as a one-stop border post. This move is anticipated to facilitate trade and improve regulatory oversight, ensuring efficient revenue collection and compliance at the border.
In line with its commitment to interagency collaboration, the Kebbi Command handed over 180 pieces of donkey skin and 74 cartons of medicaments to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Ojike explained, “This move aligns with Customs’ commitment to fostering strong inter-agency relationships under the CGC’s mandate,” a strategy aimed at enhancing cooperation for public health and economic protection.
What you should know
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has demonstrated a robust increase in revenue collection and anti-smuggling enforcement through various operations across its commands.
- The Apapa Port Command collected a total revenue of N1.61 trillion during the period, surpassing the N1.17 trillion collected in all of 2023. Comptroller Babatunde Olomu noted that July and September collections alone brought in N201.8 billion and N193.9 billion, respectively.
- NCS spokesperson Mr. Abdullahi Maiwada announced that in August alone, the service collected N277.5 billion in import duties and an additional N15.8 billion in excise duties.
- As part of its anti-smuggling operations, the NCS made 83 seizures across various commands, including “1,014 parcels of cannabis sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N975,066,791.65,” according to Maiwada.
- The intensified “Operation Whirlwind” (OPWW) also led to the interception of seven PMS trucks, the sealing of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 litres of PMS and 23 vehicles, primarily targeting border areas prone to smuggling.
