Customs generate N2.53bn, intercept goods worth N478m in Kwara

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, on Wednesday, said it generated N2.53 billion in revenue through excise activities and intercepted several smuggled items within the period under review.

Najeem Akanmu Ogundeyi, Acting Customs Area Controller and Deputy Comptroller of the Command in Kwara, gave the disclosure while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to him, excise activities remain the only source of revenue generation for the Kwara Area Command.

“Within the period under review, the Command generated a total revenue of N2,527,531,290, reflecting our sustained commitment to supporting the government’s fiscal objectives,” he said.

Ogundeyi urged traders and residents of border communities to desist from smuggling and instead embrace legitimate trade, stressing that tackling economic sabotage requires collective responsibility.

“The fight against smuggling is not the responsibility of the Nigeria Customs Service alone. It requires the commitment of all stakeholders, including border communities, traders, and the general public.

“Together, we must safeguard our national economy, protect local industries, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of our nation and future generations,” he said.

The Deputy Comptroller also noted that the combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted items stood at N478,171,315, which he described as a clear indication of the scale of economic sabotage being attempted by smugglers.

He warned that Kwara State would no longer serve as a safe corridor for illegal trade.

“These interceptions underscore our unwavering commitment to intelligence-led enforcement operations. They are justified by the urgent need to curb economic sabotage, protect legitimate businesses, safeguard national revenue, and ensure compliance with laws governing cross-border trade,” he said.

Ogundeyi noted that the persistent smuggling of foreign rice continues to undermine the Federal Government’s policy banning its importation, which is aimed at boosting local rice production and strengthening food security.

“One of such policies is the ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice designed to encourage the consumption of locally produced rice, empower local farmers, and create employment opportunities.

“Unfortunately, the scale and persistence of illegal importation of foreign rice continue to threaten these national objectives,” he added.

He explained that the seizures were made through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated patrols along major smuggling routes within the command’s area of responsibility.

“It is barely two months since our last press briefing during which we highlighted significant successes recorded through our anti-smuggling operations. On that occasion, I made it abundantly clear that smuggling activities would not be tolerated under my watch and that the Kwara Area Command would no longer serve as a safe haven for illegal trade,” he stated.

Ogundeyi expressed concern that despite repeated warnings, some individuals still engage in illegal importation and other activities capable of undermining the nation’s economy.

“Regrettably, some criminal elements driven by illicit profit have continued to test the resolve of the Command through persistent attempts to smuggle prohibited and restricted items into the country.

“However, such unlawful activities have consistently been met with firm and decisive enforcement actions by our officers,” he said.

The acting controller disclosed that among the items seized were five second-hand vehicles intercepted at the Alapa Patrol Base and Bode Saadu axis.

He also listed 60 sacks of second-hand clothing, six jumbo sacks and two bales of the same items, 222 used compressors, and 15 used tyres, which were intercepted in the Eiyenkorin area of the state.

Other seizures included 44 bags of 50kg imported sugar, 317 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be meant for cross-border smuggling, and 1,107 bags of foreign parboiled rice weighing 50kg each.

Ogundeyi further disclosed that officers of the command intercepted 120 sacks of illegally mined lithium ore at the Alapa/Banni axis, while nine vehicles loaded with smuggled rice were seized during coordinated anti-smuggling operations.

He commended other security agencies for their cooperation, noting that the successes recorded were the result of strong inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing.

Ogundeyi also appreciated the support of the Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for providing the leadership and resources required for the command to effectively carry out its mandate.