Customs Corner
JBPT Sector II Seizes N1.3bn Worth of PMS, Other Prohibited Items in South-West
By Lucy Nyambi
The Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector II, South-West Zone, Lagos, has announced the seizure of prohibited items valued at N1.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024.
While briefing journalists on the sector’s activities for July and August 2024 at the Customs Training College, Ikeja, on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, the Coordinator, DC Mohammed Shuaibu, stated that the team has made significant progress in curbing smuggling activities and cross-border crimes.
The seized items include 4,019 jerrycans of 30-litre premium motor spirit; 2,633 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice; 790 pieces of codeine; 868 jumbo bales; 154 blocks of cannabis sativa; and 135 sacks of used footwear.
Other items include 15 units of fairly used cars, 5 means of conveyance, 4 trucks, and 2 motorcycles, among others.
“The prohibited items were seized during the period under review and deposited in six government warehouses across the sector, with a Duty Paid Value of N1,381,030,400 for violating various sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the Federal Government’s import and export guidelines,” Shuaibu stated.
He noted that 125 individuals were arrested for violating immigration laws and were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation and prosecution where necessary.
Additionally, 2 suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.
The coordinator further noted that N26.1 million was recovered through the issuance of debit notes on vehicles and other goods that were underpaid.
Shuaibu vowed to continue combating smuggling activities, deploying intelligence to apprehend offenders, and enhancing collaboration to deal with determined smugglers.
“We are still on top of our game. We will continue doing what we do best. If the smugglers are not relenting, neither are we. We will follow them to wherever they are, and if we catch them, we will prosecute them.”
He called on stakeholders to educate their communities against smuggling activities, which he said harm the nation’s economy and undermine national security.
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Author: Titus Omajali
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Thursday, 12 September 2024, that it will partner with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to boost trade, encourage local production and ease Cross-border trade.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, made this known when he received the Director-General (DG) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SMEDAN, Charles Oidi, and his team at the NCS Headquarters in Abuja.
The CGC stated that a dedicated SMEDAN team will be established at the NCS office to provide specialized assistance and facilitate seamless processes for small and medium-sized businesses engaged in cross-border trade. “The population of SMEs cannot be ignored. Whatever you do with them, you do it to strengthen the economy of the nation,” he said
Responding, the DG/CEO of SMEDAN, Charles Oidi, commended the CGC for his commitment to SME development and pledged to continue facilitating productive interactions between government agencies and the SME ecosystem. “SMEDAN remains dedicated to identifying bottlenecks, designing inclusive solutions, and implementing effective strategies to support the growth of SMEs in Nigeria,” he stated.
By Femi Anamelechi
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu in charge of the Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command has announced an all time highest revenue collection of N1.5 trillion from January to September 2024.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) made the announcement during a parade at the command on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
He said the outstanding fit was made possible because of the meticulous documentation and professional discipline by officers and men of the Apapa Customs Area Command.
He praised the officers’ for their resilience, commitment and professionalism, while also charging them to do more. “We must surpass this achievement. We cannot afford to relax.”
The CAC assured that the service will continue to reward diligence, commitment and dedication to duty by officers.
Speaking shortly after the parade, Comptroller Olomu reiterated that the command’s outstanding performance in revenue generation was a result of the motivation and rewards system introduced by the command for officers who performed creditably.
“The excellent revenue generation of officers we recorded is as a result of blockage of all revenue generating leakage and proper documentation of payments by officers who were adequately motivated”, he stated.
He therefore, admonished officers in different categories to always strive for excellence in carrying out their statutory duties.
The CAC expressed the appreciation of Apapa Area Command to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for leading by example.
…As Comptroller Awe Reaffirms CGC’s Dedication to Recognition
Author: Abass Quadri
Comptroller Michael Awe, in charge of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Cargo (MMIAC) Command, has recognised four officers for their excellent performance in executing their duties.
The officers were honoured during a parade at the Command on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
Addressing the Officers and men of the Command, the CAC stated that the recognition, which will be done monthly or quarterly, is part of the CGC’s commitment to rewarding hardworking officers.
“There are four officers here, each representing one month from May to August 2024, who will be given letters of recognition today. The letters have reached the Office of the Zonal Coordinator, and he will send them to headquarters,” the CAC said.
Regarding the Command’s revenue generation efforts, Comptroller Awe noted that more than N16 billion has been collected so far. He appreciated the senior officers for their support, acknowledging that this success could not have been achieved alone.
The recognised officers include CSC Itinu Jimoh, CSC Moses Aboki, SC Jidda Aliyu, and IC Sanni Mohammed.
The officers expressed their excitement and gratitude to the CAC for recognising their efforts.
According to CSC Aboki, “The CAC has assured us that we do not need to harbour any fears. Henceforth, we will conduct more thorough examinations, as it is through this that we can detect illicit or underpaid items.”
The parade concluded with a free eye test provided by Poise Eye Care Limited.
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