Customs MMAC Showcases Landmark Anti-Smuggling Feats as House Committee Visits Command
Author: Femi Anamelechi.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Muritala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC) has highlighted its remarkable anti-smuggling efforts and revenue performance during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, led by Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, on Thursday, 9 April 2025.
In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Michael Awe, lauded the House Committee for its steadfast support and commitment to reforming the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), describing their visit as a valuable opportunity to highlight the Command’s achievements and challenges.
“Your presence underscores the critical role you play in terms of support, collaboration, and policy formulation to position the Nigeria Customs Service for effective border management, improved revenue collection, trade facilitation, and national security”, he said.
The CAC noted that the Command recorded seizures worth over ₦10.6 billion in 2024 alone including several packages of 250mg & 225mg of Tramadol Hydrochloride, 1 package of 50 rounds of 9mm live ammunitions, several packages of military gears and accoutrements among others.
The Customs Area Controller also highlighted the seizure of 55 pieces of JOJEF TOMAHAWK Semi Automatic shotguns cleverly concealed in packages labelled as shower faucets, calling it the most spectacular seizure of 2024.
Comptroller Awe further commended the strategic collaborative support of the Wildlife Justice Commission in the Lekki operation that led to the arrest of five suspects and a seizure of 3,765kg of pangolin scales with a Duty Paid Value of ₦772.3.
He emphasised the good working relationship with all stakeholders, Sister Agencies and other Partners. “This collaboration has been instrumental to the successes recorded at the Command. Most evident of this synergy and collaboration was the financing of the newly constructed sports arena and the re-modelled quarter guard post at the Command. Moving forward, the Command will continue to value and maintain the relationship”, the CAC stated.
On revenue performance, the command generated a total sum of ₦45.7Billion in the first quarter of 2025 as against ₦45.2Billion, collected in the corresponding period of 2024.
Comptroller Awe, however pointed out persistent challenges facing the Command, including network downtimes, lack of non-intrusive inspection equipment, limited lifting machinery, and inadequate office and residential facilities.
Responding, the House Committee Chairman, Hon. Leke Abejide lauded the Command’s efforts and clarified misconceptions around recent legislative discussions. “The committee was misquoted by some media saying that we said we are going to extend the tenure of the Comptroller General of Customs to four years. We didn’t say that”.
He also reaffirmed the Committee’s readiness to back Customs reforms and urged the Service to continue offering constructive support to the National Assembly’s agenda.
