Tag: Customs

 

 

Flowerbudnews

Lagos;   (NAN)/Flowerbudnews :  The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Command, Comptroller Michael Awe, says the command generated N45.7 billion in Q1 2025.

 

Awe disclosed this during a news conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, where he highlighted the command’s improved revenue performance compared to Q1 2024.

(A cross section of The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammad Command, Comptroller Michael Awe, and his management team during a briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.)

He noted that the revenue in Q1 2025 surpassed the N45.4 billion recorded in Q1 2024, indicating an increase of N276.9 million.

 

This growth, he said, represented a 0.61 per cent rise, reflecting the command’s improved operational strategies and stakeholder compliance.

 

Awe credited the performance to increased stakeholder compliance, strict enforcement of trade rules, and timely blockage of revenue leakages through prompt interventions.

(The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Muritala Muhammad Command, Comptroller Michael Awe.)

He praised the command’s compliant traders and stakeholders for their continued support in driving revenue, aligning with the service’s core mandate.

 

On anti-smuggling, Awe said the command recorded several seizures during the period under review, including four packages of immigration camouflage uniforms in rolls.

 

Other seized items included 19 packages of two-way Motorola walkie-talkies and three packages of Colorado CAT leaves.

 

The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of these items stood at N132.4 million, underscoring the significance of the interceptions.

 

He said the seizures were enabled by intelligence sharing, officer vigilance, and regular profiling of high-risk shipments.

 

“Let me reaffirm that the command is committed to thwarting all forms of illegitimate trade through the Murtala Muhammed Area Command.

 

“We shall enforce all applicable laws and regulations with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Awe said.

 

He stated that a strong relationship with stakeholders, sister agencies, and strategic partners had been instrumental in achieving these results.

 

This collaboration, he said, ensures timely intelligence exchange, swift operations, and seamless coordination across functions.

 

Awe described stakeholder engagement as central to his strategy, fostering trust, openness, and mutual respect within the trading community.

 

He said such engagements had enhanced compliance and improved capacity to respond to emerging trade and security challenges.

 

Looking ahead, Awe assured that the command remained focused on boosting revenue and facilitating legitimate trade in Q2 2025.

 

He expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his team for their strategic guidance and support.

 

Awe also thanked the officers of the command for their dedication, vigilance, and professionalism, calling them the foundation of the command’s success.

 

He acknowledged the media’s role, appreciating journalists for their prompt, accurate reporting which helps foster transparency in customs operations.

 

 

Lagos:  The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 18 sacks of 730kg cannabis sativa to the NDLEA for further action.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed this during a media briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday.

(A picture customs officers of the Western Marine command during operation in Lagos)

He said the intercepted cannabis sativa weighed 730kg and had a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N152 million.

 

Bamisaiye explained that the seizure occurred at 2:30 a.m. on 15 April at Mopol Beach, Lagos, following an intelligence-led operation.

 

Officers found smugglers attempting to offload the cannabis sacks from a wooden boat with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine.

 

The smugglers fled on sighting the officers, leaving behind the boat and items, which were secured and taken to the Customs office.

 

Between January and December 2024, the command made 40 seizures with a total DPV of ₦1.16 billion.

(From L-R the Commander Marine, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Mr Emmanuel Udoh and the Customs Area Controller, Western Marine command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye while handing over 18 sacks of cannabis sativa weighing 730kg to NDLEA in Lagos on Wednesday.)

Notable among these were 22,075 litres of petrol (PMS) with a DPV of ₦18.2 million.

 

Other seizures included 1,556 bags of 50kg parboiled rice valued at ₦172.7 million, and 138 cartons of frozen products worth ₦10.1 million.

 

Also seized were 8,006 loaves of cannabis sativa, valued at ₦955.3 million, which have been handed over to the NDLEA.

 

Further seizures in 2024 included 100 plastic bottles of codeine syrup, with a DPV of ₦1.2 million.

Bamisaiye noted that in the first quarter of 2025, the command recorded nine seizures and arrested four suspects.

 

He stated that all enforcement actions comply with provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

 

During Q1 2025, the command also intercepted 704 bags of 50kg parboiled rice, valued at ₦71.1 million.

 

“Additionally, 4,856 loaves of cannabis sativa were intercepted, having a DPV of ₦585.6 million.

 

“Another seizure included 392 plastic bottles of 300ml codeine syrup, valued at ₦6.8 million,” he said.

Bamisaiye confirmed the total DPV for Q1 2025 seizures exceeded ₦702 million—an 8.7 per cent increase over Q1 2024’s ₦645 million.

 

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to improving anti-smuggling efforts and sustaining its operational successes.

 

Bamisaiye praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his leadership and support.

 

He also thanked stakeholders and the media for their role in promoting anti-smuggling awareness and cooperation.

 

According to him, collective efforts are vital to building a safer and healthier society for all.

 

Speaking at the event, NDLEA Commander Marine, Mr Emmanuel Udoh, assured thorough investigation of the seized cannabis.

 

He also appreciated the NCS for its ongoing cooperation with the agency in drug control efforts.

 

Flowerbudnews

Lagos:  The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), PTML Command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, says the command generated N90.2 billion in Q1 2025.

Daniyan revealed this during a management meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday.

He stated that the Q1 2025 revenue exceeded that of Q1 2024, showing improved performance.

In Q1 2024, the command generated N66 billion, marking a rise of N23.2 billion when compared with the same period in 2025.

According to him, the customs transformation known as B’Odogwu, launched from PTML, generated N189.5 billion between October 2024 and now.

“The command currently holds the record for the fastest cargo clearance time — two hours for compliant RoRo consignments,” Daniyan said.

(The Customs Area Controller, Port and Cargo Multi Service Ltd., (PTLM) Customs command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan)

He added the command aimed to further shorten the clearance time, ensuring efficiency and trade facilitation.

“In addition to Europe-bound vessels, PTML now receives ships from China, expanding trade frontiers and boosting potential revenue,” he noted.

Daniyan stated that PTML Command was recently approved for pharmaceutical imports, showing regulatory compliance and operational capacity.

He stressed that anti-smuggling and enforcement efforts remained firm despite growing trade activities at the port.

The Controller confirmed that officers remained committed to national security while facilitating trade.

In Q1 2025, the command recorded seizures, including 75 rounds of 12GA live cartridges from a used Toyota Tundra worth N2.24 million.

 

Also seized were four rounds of 9mm ammunition and one empty magazine from a Hyundai Sonata, with DPV of N334,257.

 

The comptroller said due to its pilot role for B’Odogwu, the command intensified stakeholder engagement through training for officers and customs agents.

 

He said practical training sessions improved stakeholders’ understanding of the system’s processes and operations.

Daniyan praised the Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, for batch-based stakeholder training which remains ongoing.

 

He also appreciated collaboration with other sister agencies which enhanced revenue and reduced clearance time to under an hour.

 

Daniyan thanked honest traders for accurate declarations and urged others to emulate them.

 

He called on all stakeholders to support customs in making Nigeria Africa’s preferred cargo destination.

 

Flowerbudnews

In a continued effort to foster ethical practices and integrity within the public sector, the Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), hosted a training lecture on Transparency and Accountability in Public Service.

The event, held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Command Headquarters, drew officers from various units, as well as representatives from the ICPC and the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).

Comptroller Frank Onyeka, Customs Area Controller, while welcoming the participants acknowledged the vital role of ICPC and ACTU in promoting transparency and stated that the Nigeria Customs Service has established robust mechanisms to detect and discipline corrupt officers. “Discipline, transparency, and accountability are non-negotiable values in our operations,” he remarked.

The session was introduced by Assistant Comptroller Owoniyi, Coordinator of ACTU in Customs Zone A, who gave a brief preamble and reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to building an ethical culture within the Service.

Mrs. Mary Omonoyan, Guest Speaker from ICPC’s Department of Public Enlightenment and Education, delivered a compelling lecture on the necessity of transparency and accountability in public offices. She emphasized that public trust is built on openness, and that ethical behavior is key to efficient governance.

Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Director in charge of operations in the Lagos office of ICPC, Dr. Florence Bari addressed the far-reaching effects of corruption in the public sector, with particular focus on lateness to duty and unethical practices in public procurement. She urged officers to serve with integrity, stressing that corruption undermines public service delivery and weakens institutional credibility.

The lecture concluded with an interactive session, encouraging officers to share ideas and strategies for strengthening transparency within their departments.

This initiative reflects the shared commitment of Tincan Island Port Command and ICPC to entrenching accountability and ethical standards in public service.

 

 

 

 

Flowerbudnews

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the implementation of zero tax on imported pharmaceutical inputs for two years.

In a statement on Wednesday, customs said the implementation commenced after President Bola Tinubu approved comprehensive guidelines for the exemption of import duty and value-added tax (VAT) on critical raw materials used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

The implementation comes almost a year after TheCable sent an appeal on May 23, 2024, to Tinubu, state governors and lawmakers to take urgent policy and legislative actions on the escalating cost of medications, also known as “drugflation”.

 

TheCable urged the president to issue an unambiguous executive order to cut tariffs on imported medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for a defined period.

 

A month after, Tinubu signed an executive order to introduce zero tax on imported pharmaceutical inputs.

 

Commenting on the policy on Wednesday, customs said, in line with the presidential directives to enhance local healthcare manufacturing, reduce production costs, and attract investments, the guidelines were approved by Tinubu through Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy.

 

NCS said the exemption will cover APIs, excipients, and other raw materials used in the production of essential medicines.

 

Others include long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), rapid diagnostic kits, reagents, and packaging materials.

 

“In commitment to transparency and effective monitoring, the NCS will compile quarterly reports detailing all importations under this policy, including data on importers, quantities, and values of the imported items, ensuring the policy’s implementation aligns with its intended objectives,” the statement reads.

 

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate to facilitate trade, enhance border security, and drive national development.”

 

The service said successful implementation of the policy requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies.

 

NCS added that through collective efforts, stakeholders can achieve the shared goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians.

 

Some of the items intercepted by the Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’

 

Lagos,:  The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of contraband worth N1.72 billion from smugglers in last one month.

The Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, made this disclosure on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lagos.

 

Oladeji stated that the seized contraband included 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trucks, and 27 units of used (Tokunbo) vehicles.

He added that officers also confiscated 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totalling 14,820 litres, along with 27 bales of used clothing.

 

“Other seizures included 95 bags of charcoal, 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa, and the arrest of six suspects in connection with these smuggling activities,” Oladeji said.

 

He noted that all the seized goods had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.72 billion.

 

According to him, the unit remains committed to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

 

“The operatives of FOU A have intensified border surveillance across the South-Western states.

“This crackdown targets economic saboteurs operating in different sectors of the service.

 

“Key Performance Indicators (KPI), including revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation, have recorded significant successes through our Swift Sting Operations and other patrol efforts.

 

“During the period under review, the unit achieved significant milestones, making 82 interceptions,” he said.

 

He reiterated that these seizures, with a total DPV of N1.72 billion, were the result of tireless efforts by customs officers.

 

“The successes recorded this year were not easily achieved. Our officers spent long hours on patrol and surveillance to intercept these illegal goods.

 

“We will not relent in our commitment to tackling illegal cross-border trade and other criminal activities.

 

“The unit will continue engaging with the public to raise awareness about the economic and social implications of smuggling while ensuring compliance with government policies,” he said.

 

Oladeji also revealed that the unit generated N72.4 million from debit notes issued to importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports.

 

He highlighted that Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi had introduced various trade facilitation tools to boost national revenue and economic growth.

 

The unit recovered N72.4 million through Demand Notices (DN) issued for irregular consignment declarations, he said.

 

“The Customs CG has implemented several trade facilitation tools to enhance revenue generation and economic development.

 

“Initiatives like the Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme have improved investor confidence and customs efficiency.

 

“This unit has embraced these initiatives by restructuring patrol teams in Lagos to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers and promote a business-friendly environment,” he said

 

Some of the items intercepted by the Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’

NCS seizes N1.72bn contraband in 1 month

 

Lagos, March 26, 2025, The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of contraband worth N1.72 billion from smugglers in last one month.

The Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, made this disclosure on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lagos.

 

Oladeji stated that the seized contraband included 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trucks, and 27 units of used (Tokunbo) vehicles.

 

He added that officers also confiscated 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totalling 14,820 litres, along with 27 bales of used clothing.

 

“Other seizures included 95 bags of charcoal, 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa, and the arrest of six suspects in connection with these smuggling activities,” Oladeji said.

 

He noted that all the seized goods had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.72 billion.

 

According to him, the unit remains committed to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

 

“The operatives of FOU A have intensified border surveillance across the South-Western states.

 

“This crackdown targets economic saboteurs operating in different sectors of the service.

 

“Key Performance Indicators (KPI), including revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation, have recorded significant successes through our Swift Sting Operations and other patrol efforts.

 

“During the period under review, the unit achieved significant milestones, making 82 interceptions,” he said.

 

He reiterated that these seizures, with a total DPV of N1.72 billion, were the result of tireless efforts by customs officers.

 

“The successes recorded this year were not easily achieved. Our officers spent long hours on patrol and surveillance to intercept these illegal goods.

 

“We will not relent in our commitment to tackling illegal cross-border trade and other criminal activities.

 

“The unit will continue engaging with the public to raise awareness about the economic and social implications of smuggling while ensuring compliance with government policies,” he said.

 

Oladeji also revealed that the unit generated N72.4 million from debit notes issued to importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports.

 

He highlighted that Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi had introduced various trade facilitation tools to boost national revenue and economic growth.

 

The unit recovered N72.4 million through Demand Notices (DN) issued for irregular consignment declarations, he said.

 

“The Customs CG has implemented several trade facilitation tools to enhance revenue generation and economic development.

 

“Initiatives like the Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme have improved investor confidence and customs efficiency.

 

“This unit has embraced these initiatives by restructuring patrol teams in Lagos to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers and promote a business-friendly environment,” he said

 

 

Some of the items intercepted by the Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’

NCS seizes N1.72bn contraband in 1 month

 

Lagos, March 26, 2025, The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of contraband worth N1.72 billion from smugglers in last one month.

The Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, made this disclosure on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lagos.

 

Oladeji stated that the seized contraband included 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trucks, and 27 units of used (Tokunbo) vehicles.

 

He added that officers also confiscated 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totalling 14,820 litres, along with 27 bales of used clothing.

 

“Other seizures included 95 bags of charcoal, 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa, and the arrest of six suspects in connection with these smuggling activities,” Oladeji said.

 

He noted that all the seized goods had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.72 billion.

 

According to him, the unit remains committed to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

 

“The operatives of FOU A have intensified border surveillance across the South-Western states.

 

“This crackdown targets economic saboteurs operating in different sectors of the service.

 

“Key Performance Indicators (KPI), including revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation, have recorded significant successes through our Swift Sting Operations and other patrol efforts.

 

“During the period under review, the unit achieved significant milestones, making 82 interceptions,” he said.

 

He reiterated that these seizures, with a total DPV of N1.72 billion, were the result of tireless efforts by customs officers.

 

“The successes recorded this year were not easily achieved. Our officers spent long hours on patrol and surveillance to intercept these illegal goods.

 

“We will not relent in our commitment to tackling illegal cross-border trade and other criminal activities.

 

“The unit will continue engaging with the public to raise awareness about the economic and social implications of smuggling while ensuring compliance with government policies,” he said.

 

Oladeji also revealed that the unit generated N72.4 million from debit notes issued to importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports.

 

He highlighted that Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi had introduced various trade facilitation tools to boost national revenue and economic growth.

 

The unit recovered N72.4 million through Demand Notices (DN) issued for irregular consignment declarations, he said.

 

“The Customs CG has implemented several trade facilitation tools to enhance revenue generation and economic development.

 

“Initiatives like the Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme have improved investor confidence and customs efficiency.

 

“This unit has embraced these initiatives by restructuring patrol teams in Lagos to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers and promote a business-friendly environment,” he said

 

Some of the items intercepted by the Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’

NCS seizes N1.72bn contraband in 1 month

 

Lagos, March 26, 2025, The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced the interception of contraband worth N1.72 billion from smugglers in last one month.

The Customs Area Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, made this disclosure on Wednesday during a media briefing in Lagos.

 

Oladeji stated that the seized contraband included 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, equivalent to seven trucks, and 27 units of used (Tokunbo) vehicles.

 

He added that officers also confiscated 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), totalling 14,820 litres, along with 27 bales of used clothing.

 

“Other seizures included 95 bags of charcoal, 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa, and the arrest of six suspects in connection with these smuggling activities,” Oladeji said.

 

He noted that all the seized goods had a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.72 billion.

 

According to him, the unit remains committed to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, ensuring compliance with import and export regulations.

 

“The operatives of FOU A have intensified border surveillance across the South-Western states.

 

“This crackdown targets economic saboteurs operating in different sectors of the service.

 

“Key Performance Indicators (KPI), including revenue generation, smuggling suppression, and trade facilitation, have recorded significant successes through our Swift Sting Operations and other patrol efforts.

 

“During the period under review, the unit achieved significant milestones, making 82 interceptions,” he said.

 

He reiterated that these seizures, with a total DPV of N1.72 billion, were the result of tireless efforts by customs officers.

 

“The successes recorded this year were not easily achieved. Our officers spent long hours on patrol and surveillance to intercept these illegal goods.

 

“We will not relent in our commitment to tackling illegal cross-border trade and other criminal activities.

 

“The unit will continue engaging with the public to raise awareness about the economic and social implications of smuggling while ensuring compliance with government policies,” he said.

 

Oladeji also revealed that the unit generated N72.4 million from debit notes issued to importers who underpaid customs duties at seaports.

 

He highlighted that Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi had introduced various trade facilitation tools to boost national revenue and economic growth.

 

The unit recovered N72.4 million through Demand Notices (DN) issued for irregular consignment declarations, he said.

 

“The Customs CG has implemented several trade facilitation tools to enhance revenue generation and economic development.

 

“Initiatives like the Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme have improved investor confidence and customs efficiency.

 

“This unit has embraced these initiatives by restructuring patrol teams in Lagos to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers and promote a business-friendly environment,” he said

 

By Dianabasi Effiong

The Cross River State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested a wildlife trafficker with illegal items on the Cameroon/Cameroon border.

A press statement from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) confirmed this on Tuesday.

It stated that the items recovered from the trafficker included
“213 parrot skulls and 29 packs of parrot feathers; six eagle skulls & one pack of eagle feathers 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, four gorilla hands and feet.”

These discoveries highlight the ongoing crises of wildlife trafficking and its devastating impact on the area’s biodiversity.

It also highlighted the importance of shrewd surveillance and control by the NCS at the country’s international borders.

According to the statement, the suspect, who said that he is a Nigerian from Oyo State, was arrested at the Mfum/Ekok border in Cross River State.

The suspect was traveling from Cameroon to Nigeria when he was arrested with the items on March 12, 2025.

The statement added that the suspect was detained pending further investigation and prosecution.

According to the statement, the Country Director of the WCS, Andrew Dunn said that the WCS had since 2020 trained more than 100 Customs staff across Nigeria to raise awareness of the threat due to the illegal wildlife trade.

He said, “Working with Customs and the Elephant Protection Initiative, WCS has also provided 10 secure storage facilities across the country for the storage of seized wildlife items, ensuring proper handling of confiscated materials.

“This arrest highlights the importance of our ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service and the value of the capacity-building and awareness-raising work done by WCS to help tackle the illegal wildlife trade in the country.

“We commend the Cross River Command of the Nigeria Customs Service for this bold action and urge the public to stand firm against the illegal wildlife trade. Every seized item represents a tragic loss for nature, but with collective efforts, we can protect our incredible wildlife from extinction.”