Despite a drop in importation, the Apapa Area 1 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected over N1 trillion in revenue in the first six months of 2024.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu announced that the command also seized eleven containers of prohibited items, including expired pharmaceuticals, footwear, used clothing, armored cables, and frozen poultry products, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N424.1 million.
This is compared to 42 seizures with a DPV of N1.4 billion during the same period in 2023.
Olomu highlighted the command’s success in promoting trade facilitation, which has led to easier business operations and prevented revenue losses.
The command has been working closely with other government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and local communities to achieve these results.
The command’s non-intrusive inspection regime, which includes the use of scanners for cargo examination, plays a crucial role in these efforts.
Despite a significant reduction in trade volume, the command remains vigilant against economic saboteurs.
Olomu emphasized the importance of maintaining rigorous inspections and collaborations to ensure the integrity and efficiency of customs operations.
(Vanguard)