From N74.28 billion revenue collected between January and October, 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service command at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos has reported a remarkable increase in revenue generation of N144.2 billion for the same period of 2024, representing a whopping 94% rise.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Murtala Muhammed Area Command, Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe announced the remarkable revenue growth for the period under review (January to October 2024) on Wednesday.
He said the Command generated N144.2 billion from customs duties and other charges from January to October, 2024 in comparison to the revenue collected in the same period in 2023, which stood at N74.28 billion.
The Controller noted that the efforts to combat illicit trade yielded impressive results, with total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items amounting to N3.32 billion during the third quarter of the year from July to October 2024.
According to Awe, the seized items contravened some of the provisions of the extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023. The items include military helmets, drones, cannabis sativa, live turtles, pangolin scales and many cartons of Tramadol Hydrochloride.
“This achievement is attributed to enhanced trade facilitation, improved stakeholder compliance, effective law enforcement, strategic resource deployment, interagency collaboration, efficient cargo clearance and intelligent risk management strategies,” the controller said.
He continued: “To boost revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade and curb smuggling, the Command implemented initiatives such as streamlined clearance procedures, enhanced cargo inspection and examination, improved intelligence gathering and sharing, collaboration with other security agencies, and regular stakeholder engagements.
“Moving forward, the Command will enhance trade facilitation measures, strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, improve stakeholder engagement and leverage on technology for efficient operations.
“I wish to appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and his management team for their unwavering support in carrying out official tasks effectively. Similarly, I commend officers and men of the command for their hard work and dedication towards achieving the great feat.”
Awe also thanked the stakeholders, including importers, exporters and clearing agents for their cooperation and compliance to extant laws.
