Apapa Customs Collects N784.8b in 11 months, N7.8b Seizures

By Innocent Orok

The Apapa Customs Command of the NCS has recorded a seizure of 13 containers with duty paid value of N285 billion in November 2021.The Command has so far recorded a total of 97 seizures between the January-November 2021 with duty paid value of N7.8 billion.

Notable among the seized items are hard substance like Captagon pills,
Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, foreign parboiled rice, Tomato paste,
Used clothings, etc.

These seizures were made based on clear contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of Customs and Excise
Management Act ( CEMA), Cap C45 LFN 2004.

According to the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Comptroller Malanta Yusuf, he said
“We will not sacrifice proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation,
and we will not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false
declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared item.

“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 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.

“At this juncture, let me reiterate our resolve on meticulous examination
of all cargoes coming in and out of Apapa port to curb the menace of illicit
trade. I once again want to urge importers of non prohibited items 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 recordbreaking of N89.7 billion as revenue for November 2021 which is the highest monthly collection by any command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

Also, the command’s revenue profile between January to November 2021 stood at N784.8 billion. According to the Command’s Controller, this remarkable feat is a result of improved inter -agency synergies, enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of revenue leakages.

He said the command remains resolute to 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 activities.