Part of the seized consignment of smuggled goods.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The Nigeria Customs Service has the primary roles of trade facilitation and revenue generation as well as the suppression of smuggling, the level of performance of these functions to a great extent determine the economic direction of the nation.
It is in light of these that the Ogun 1, Idiroko Command of the Service under the Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Shuaib AB who recently assumed the headship of the Command has continued to post impressive performances for the few months that he has been in charge there.
Acting CAC Shuaib with some of the seized items.
DC Shuaib had a press briefing this morning where he outlined the performance of his Command for the month of October and in his presentation, he said that “From 1st to 31st of October, 2023, the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products. In comparison with the amount of N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period of year 2022, there is a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment. We are able to achieve these feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement”.
The Command also recorded a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalent of 8 trailers load, among others. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures over the period in consideration as recorded by the Command amounts to N398,470,687.00.
Acting CAC Shuaib addressing the press at the occassion.
It is rather worrisome that there is an increase in the number and volume of illicit drugs being smuggled into the country, the attendant bad effects of these substances on public health, productivity and the economy if not for these kind of seizures would be unimaginable.
The acting Customs Area Controller of the Command who has always been known for his assiduousness and sagacity has been able to steadiliy grow the revenue of the Command and stem the tide of smuggling and all illegal trading activities around the area.
DC Shuaib attributes his success at the Command to certain factors which include the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi especially with the delivery of 8 new Toyota Land Cruiser trucks to the Command, the cooperation of the traditional rulers, host communities, stakeholders and the media. He continues to seek these support in order that the country may realise her economic potentials and become better secure in all sense of the word.
His word “In conclusion, the economic well-being and security of our dear nation is a serious business that should not be compromised. We reassure the general public of our unwavering dedication to discharging our statutory responsibility with due diligence and utmost sense of patriotism”.
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