The Murtala Mohammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Thursday that it generated ₦143.2 billion in revenue for the federal government between January and October 2024.
In addition to the revenue collection, the command intercepted various contraband items, including 250 live turtles, 23 walkie-talkies, 175 military helmets, and 50 drones, allegedly smuggled into the country by criminal elements.
Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe, the Customs Area Controller for the command, disclosed these figures during a press briefing on the command’s performance over the ten-month period.
He highlighted that the 2024 revenue exceeded the ₦74.4 billion collected during the same period in 2023 by ₦69.92 billion.
Awe attributed the impressive results to enhanced trade facilitation, improved stakeholder compliance, and stricter law enforcement. He noted that initiatives such as streamlined clearance procedures, better cargo inspection processes, and enhanced intelligence gathering significantly contributed to the revenue boost and anti-smuggling efforts.
“Efforts to combat illicit trade have been effective, with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items amounting to ₦3.322 billion between July and October 2024,” Awe stated.
He explained that the intercepted military hardware, allegedly smuggled in from Turkey, violated provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act of 2023. The seized items included walkie-talkies, military helmets, drones, and live turtles, alongside other illicit goods.
One suspect linked to the smuggling operation was arrested in Turkey at the request of Customs Comptroller General Wale Adeniyi and has since been charged to court. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the smuggling network.
“The seized hardware lacked the required end-user certificate. The command remains committed to curbing illicit trade and safeguarding national security,” Awe added.
