Customs generates N30b from Lagos Airport, intercepts N801m contraband

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command, said it generated N30.503b revenue in 2023.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Charles Orbih, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Lagos, said the revenue surpassed the N29.148b target.

Providing an overview of the command’s performance, Orbih said: “In December 2023 alone, the command collected N4.768b as revenue for government.

He also stated that the command within the same period under review, 125 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N801.561m was made. He listed the seized items to include $10,000 counterfeit notes handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), $8,800 concealed in an album, 89 seized drones, and 66 detained drones.

Other seized items consist of 330 military and security wares, 700 rolls of cigarettes, 126 walkie-talkies with accessories, 87 artifacts and antiquities, 22 elephant tusks, 300 pairs of ladies’ footwear, two bags of precious stones, and other items.

Orbih revealed that three suspects arrested in connection with the seizures would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

The CAC commended the commitment and diligence of the officers and men of the command, acknowledging the support received from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team through creating an enabling environment for the command to operate.

Looking ahead into 2024, the CAC emphasised the command’s commitment to improving operations, facilitating legitimate trade, and ensuring national security. He warned potential economic saboteurs to desist from illegal activities, stating that stringent measures would be taken to uphold the law.

“Any would-be economic saboteur attempting to bring unwholesome or restricted items into the country through the international airport would be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” he declared.