reporters By Joy Enamuna
Barely a few weeks after he was applauded by the Comptroller General of the Nigeria customs Service, Col Hammeed Alli for his exemplary performance at the Apapa Customs Command, Comptroller Ibrahim Yusuf Malanta, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, has again win another trophy as his command has generated a total sum of N366 billion in six months.
This represents 61% increase when compared to the N227 billion collected in the first half of 2020″.
Also, “the command recorded 10 seizures of various goods such as tomato paste, used clothing, unregistered pharmaceutical drugs, etc. with a Duty Paid Value of N442 million”.
He said that the “revenue has never been recorded in the history of the Flagship Command NCS. Consequent upon this and in line with the provision of extant laws, trade guidelines and enforcement of Government Fiscal Policy, the command was able to strengthen its anti-smuggling operation against economic saboteurs through timely credible intelligence driven network which led to the seizure of 46 containers between Jan-Jun 21 with Duty Paid Value of N27.6 billion”.
All these importations are contrary to the provision of sections 46 & 47 of Customs and Excise Management Act CAP C45 LFN 2004 and Customs & Excise Notices No.1491, he explained.
While acknowledging the cooperation among all his officers, he said: “This spectacular achievement was made possible by our officers’ resilience and commitment in ensuring collections of appropriate revenue, robust stakeholders’ engagement and seamless facilitation of compliant trade.
“The Export statistics of the Command showed that good worth N272.3 billion have been exported through Apapa port between Jan-Jun 21.
These exports include Agricultural goods such as sesame seed, ginger, hibiscus flower and other mineral resources. The total tonnage of the said export stood at 1.6 million tones with FOB value of $103 billion”.
The due who is known for vibrant capabilities appreciated Comptroller-General of Customs and his Management team for the opportunity, trust, support and encouragement given to us in the course of discharging our responsibilities.
He however advise importers, exporters, Customs brokers and freight forwarders to imbibe the culture of compliance as part of their standard operating procedure.