By Anne Ejuka
The Nigeria Customs Service has within January to November 2021 generated over N2.3 trillion surpassing the total annual target of N1.679 trillion for the year.
The Deputy National Public Relations Officer, DC Timi Bomodi has disclosed this while speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Monday. Bomodi revealed that the Service made various landmark seizures of absolutely prohibited items and items prohibited by trade.
According to him, in August, the Service made seizures of 17,137 kg of pangolin scales, 44 kg elephant tusks and 60 kg in pangolin claws all valued at over 22 billion naira.
The image maker informed that the seizure was made possible through active collaboration between Customs, US, British and German Officials who helped in tracking the suspicious shipment. He went further to say that the Federal Operations Unit operatives in zone A seized 751 bullets concealed in garri sacks, while arms, ammunition and military uniforms were intercepted at Tin Can Port, Lagos in September 2021 just to mention a few.
He added that Customs warehouses in all border formations are overflowing with seizures of rice, groundnut oil, used clothing, used vehicles, etc.
The deputy national image maker informed that Apapa Customs Command, through the cooperation of other sister agencies and the Nigerian Navy made a landmark seizure of cocaine with a DPV of 54 million dollars, adding that the command seized illicit, expired drugs and other offensive goods from 97 containers with a DPV of 17.5 billion naira.
He noted that the Nigeria Customs was able to achieve these remarkable successes through the diligence and hard work of its officers and the support of key stakeholders.
He lamented that the numerous arrests and seizures are daily features in the activities of Customs officers nationwide, and they underscore the fact that the Service operates in a non-compliant environment.
He said that officers and men of the Service have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation and they remain resolute in safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Apapa Customs Area Controller, Compt. Malanta Yusuf pointed out that compliance level must be high for trade facilitation to work.
The controller said when compliance level is low it gives no room for trade facilitation as goods are subjected to one hundred percent examination and other rigorous procedures leading to unnecessary delay in the the cargo clearance process.