Apapa Customs go tough on illicit Trade, Sieze 13 Containers
. Net a record breaking N89.7 billion in November 2021 alone
By Jerry Aguigbo
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs service have intensified efforts geared towards curbing all manner of unwholesome trade, exhibiting a zero tolerance for smuggling, with a record seizure of thirteen (13) containers with a
duty paid value of a 285 million in the month of November 2021. A seizure
of 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and
CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion was also
recorded on two different occasions.
The Command’s seizure record
between January-November 2021 stood at ninety-seven (97) containers
with a total duty paid value of N17.5 billion, according to Controller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim.
Notable among the seized items are hard substance like Captagon pills,
Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, Foreign par boiled rice, Tomato paste,
Used clothings, etc. These were seizures made based on clear
contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of CEMA (Customs and Excise
Management Act) Cap C45 LFN 2004.
For the avoidance of doubt.
Compt. Malanta reiterated that his Command will
not compromise proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and
we will also not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false
declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared cargo.
He warned that “concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest
management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port.
While appreciating our stakeholders and compliant traders for keeping to
the rules of engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to
the dictates of import/export guidelines, I would like to warn perpetrators
of illegalities that our officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of
unlawful trade,” Malanta stated.
Continuing, he
urged the trading public to make sincere declarations,
pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid losing their
investments and facing prosecution.
On the revenue aspect, the Apapa Area Command has collected a recordbreaking revenue figure of N89.7 billion in November 2021 which is
the highest monthly collection by any command of the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS). Also, the command’s revenue profile between JanuaryNovember 2021 stood at N784.8 billion.
This remarkable feat is a result of improved inter agency synergies,
enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of
revenue leakages.
However, the command remains resolute on contributing to the actualisation
of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd)
agenda in the area of increase in revenue collection and non compromise
for smuggling, he reiterated.
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