The Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has generated a substantial N74.29 billion from customs duty and other charges between January and October 2023. This impressive feat was announced by the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Yusuf, during a press briefing held in Lagos.
Yusuf expressed satisfaction as he revealed that this revenue surge marked a significant 23.69 per cent increase from the N60.06 billion recorded during the same period in 2022, exemplifying the command’s resilience and commitment to meeting and surpassing set targets.
He conveyed, “The Command has attained an impressive 76.34 per cent of its annual target, a testament to the unwavering dedication of our officers in ensuring strict adherence to import/export guidelines and compliance with existing laws by agents.”
Noteworthy was the Command’s successful interception of unregistered pharmaceutical products suspected to be Tramadol tablets of 225mg, originating from India and Pakistan, exceeding the approved threshold by the Federal Government. The cumulative Duty Paid Value of the intercepted items stood at a staggering N3.57 billion, underscoring the gravity of the Command’s anti-smuggling efforts.
Yusuf also emphasized the Command’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, affirming an open-door policy and the proactive resolution of pertinent issues of collective interest with concerned stakeholders. He extended gratitude to critical stakeholders, sister agencies, and the media for their unwavering collaboration and synergistic efforts in executing their statutory mandate, while also acknowledging the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for fostering an enabling environment.
As the MMIA Customs Service continues to bask in the success of its revenue generation and anti-smuggling initiatives, we are reminded of the pivotal role it plays in upholding government fiscal policies and trade guidelines, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring seamless facilitation of trade activities. With a tireless resolve, the command remains resolute in its commitment to sustained performance and unwavering service delivery, echoing the rallying call to uphold the highest standards of excellence and diligence in their assigned responsibilities.
