Nation
Seme Customs Earns N1.9bn In 2Quarter
The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NS) said it generated the sum of N1,904,459,390.77 revenue between January 23 and September 8, 2023, representing 97.2% of N1,960,000,000 allotted target for the year.
This shows an increase of 51.98% from the N885,543,098.11 made in the corresponding period for 2022.
The Command’s Area Controller, Nnadi Dera, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Lagos on Friday, as he showcased several high-profile seizures, including Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in excess of one tanker-load, which was intercepted.
“The revenue target for the Command for the year 2023 is N1,960,000,000.00 only. As at 8th of September, 2023, the Command has collected N1,904,459,390. 78 only. This represents 97.2% of N1,960,000,000 allotted target for the year 2023.
“In the corresponding period under review for year 2022, the revenue was N885,543,000.098.11
“The implication is that the Command’s revenue profile witnessed a tremendous increase of N1, 018,916, 292. 33 (51.98%).
“On anti-smuggling operation, you are already conversant with our past headline seizures (fake six million US dollars, equivalent to N2.7bn).
“This is in addition to other notable seizures recorded between January and August 2023 and listed as follows: 6,500 50kg bags of rice, equivalent to sixteen trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice with Duty Paid Value of N312, 242, 064.93k; 13, 835 x 30 liters Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, equivalent to 415, 050 liters or 13 petroleum tankers with Duty Paid Value of 738,276, 461k, and 15,389 of General Merchandise Goods.
Hard Drugs and Narcotics are: 41 parcels of Cannabis Sativa; 4,900 Tablets 225mg of Tramadol Tamol-X; 3,600 Tablets 225mg Tramadol Royal; 225,157 Tablets of Heineken Ecstacy; and 864 Packs of Cigarette.
“In the same vein, officers and Men of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted 1,364 30 Liters Jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, equivalent to 40,800 litres over one Tanker Load and with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N24, 663, 355 only, at the early hours of Friday, 8th September 2023 along the Badagry Coast
“The DPV for items seized for the period January to 8th Septmeber 2023 is N1, 827, 362, 619. 00.
“In addition to the above, in line with the NCS dictate of encouraging its personnels, the Officers and Men of the Command that were involved in the seizures of fake $6,000,000 currency, 15 fake international passports, 10 driver’s license, and that of Donkey skins in January 2023, have been commended by the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi”, he stated.
The Seme Customs boss appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs for his support to the Command and also appreciated the Seme Badagry Community for their cooperation, and to officers and men of the Command for their gallantry and patriotism.
By: Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos