Apapa Customs rakes in over N31bn revenue in January

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area one command, said on Monday, that it has generated over N31 billion as revenue into the Federal Government coffers in the month of January.

Jibrin Musa, Customs Area Controller of the command told newsmen in his office in Lagos, that the command’s revenue in the month under review grew by over N5.1 billion compared to N25.9 billion collected within same period in 2017.

Musa, who disclosed that the command has a monthly revenue target of N35.5 billion and annual target of N426 billion in 2018, added that the command hopes to meet and surpass its target as expected by Customs headquarters.

To achieve this, Musa said that the command was ready to deploy the Nigerian Customs Integrated System ‎(NICIS) 2 software, to enable the command block all revenue leakages and increase its revenue profile.

He however, called on all stakeholders to fully embrace the new application because it is faster, more efficient, all encompassing and will provide opportunity for seamless cargo clearance at the ports.

In the area of anti-smuggling, Musa said that the command on the February 6, intercepted three by 40 foot containers loaded with different kinds of controlled drugs including Tramadol and Ibramol.

Musa, who said that the intercepted controlled drugs has duty paid value (DPV) of over N110 million, added that the drugs were being controlled due to security purposes and to avoid having negative impact on the larger society.

“The three containers with numbers: MRSU 3637149; MRKU 6196764 and MRSU 3516384 were imported by one VILLA GOLD PHARMACY from India. While on February 7, another one by 40 foot container with number MRKU 6058282, containing prohibited drugs, was also arrested by the command,” Musa said.

According to the CAC, the four arrested containers were loaded with 2,250 cartons of different types of Tramadol; 160 cartons of Dobumol Anagestic; 374 cartons of Col-cap; 330 cartons of Ibramol and other prohibited drugs.

“One person has been arrested in connection with the seizures and has been granted administrative bail while investigation is still ongoing,” he added.

 

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE