Tag: Customs

 

Lagos, The outgoing Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Tincan Island Command, Mr Dera Nnadi has attributed the command’s N1.26 trillion revenue to the implementation of a 24-hour cargo clearance system, which includes weekend operations.

Nnadi disclosed this during the handover ceremony to the newly appointed CAC of Tincan Island Customs Command in Lagos on Friday.

According to him, the implementation of the 24-hour cargo clearance process significantly enhanced operational efficiency.

“My team worked tirelessly to improve professionalism, and in January 2024, we declared the year as one of stakeholders, which positively impacted revenue generation,” he said.

Nnadi stated that the N1.26 trillion revenue represents 86.8 per cent of the command’s N1.4 trillion target, achieved in spite global cargo declines and persistent economic challenges.

“The command generated N716.4 billion in 2023. During my 15-month tenure, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of goods seized amounted to N4.5 trillion.

“In 2023 alone, the DPV of seized goods was N1 trillion, and this year, we have seized over N4.5 trillion in DPV goods, indicating a significant increase,” he stated.

Nnadi further noted the establishment of 10 additional bonded terminals under his leadership, which contributed to improved revenue collection.

In his acceptance remarks, the newly appointed CAC of Tincan Island Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General and the management team for the opportunity to serve.

Onyeka praised his predecessor for his leadership and acknowledged the challenges of stepping into his ‘giant shoes’.

“I will double my efforts to sustain the command’s progress and continue with the Comptroller-General’s policies of consultation, innovation, and consolidation,” Onyeka said.

He urged officers to uphold discipline and view themselves as servants of the people.

He praised the command’s collaboration with agencies, stakeholders, and media, urging better information sharing for greater success.

Mr Michel Oyebiyi, Patron of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), commended Nnadi for his hardworking and open-door policy, encouraging Onyeka to emulate these qualities.

“Nnadi resolved protests within the terminals through dialogue and soft words, and I hope he extends this approach to the headquarters,” Oyebiyi said.

Toyota Nigeria’s representative, Mr Apostle Tola, praised Nnadi as a humble problem solver who transformed the command.

“I will miss a friend who resolved issues without compromise,” Tola added, noting Nnadi’s contributions to improving infrastructure, including the Customs building and car parks.

 

Lagos:   The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) on Monday inaugurated its secretariat at TINCAN to enhance its operations.

The association’s President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, also empowered about 14 members, including widows at the inauguration.

(The Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, the President, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, and the COWA Chairperson TINCAN Island customs command, Mrs Chinelo Dera-Nnadi during inauguration of TINCAN Island secretarial in Lagos on Monday.)

Adeniyi said that the inauguration of the new secretariat showed significant importance and underscores the collective commitment to the principles of support, empowerment, and solidarity that define COWA.

She commended the Acting Assistant Comptroller General, Dera Nnadi, adding that under his remarkable stewardship, the Tin Can Island command surpassed an extraordinary milestone, crossing the one trillion naira revenue mark.

(The Acting Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, the COWA Chairperson TINCAN Island customs command, Mrs Chinelo Dera-Nnadi while showcasing produced products of COWA’s members to the President, Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, during inauguration of TINCAN Island secretarial in Lagos on Monday)

She said that Nnadi’s leadership had transformed TINCAN command with the renovation and modernisation of the administrative building standing as a testament to his dedication to excellence.

Adeniyi said that Nnadi’s achievements had not only enhanced the efficiency of the command, but also inspired pride in all those privileged to serve under him.

“Your unwavering support for COWA is deeply appreciated.

“Your efforts to provide us with a befitting office within this command speak volumes about your understanding of the importance of uplifting the families of those who serve in the Nigeria Customs Service.

(COWA President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi and TINCAN Chairperson of COWA, Mrs Chinelo Dera-Nnadi while presenting equipment to Blessing Leo in Lagos on Monday)

“Your generosity has planted seeds of hope and empowerment, and we are forever grateful.

“Your dedication to the welfare of our members and the successes we celebrate today are the fruits of your hard work and that of your exceptional team,” she said.

She said that the commissioning of the office was an achievement as well as a legacy that will serve as a beacon of hope and progress for all members of COWA at the command.

“This secretariat will serve as a sanctuary where ideas are nurtured, initiatives are developed, and support systems are strengthened.

“It will empower us to better serve our members, especially the widows and other vulnerable individuals among us.

 

“With this office, we can organise skill acquisition programmes hold regular meetings, and implement welfare initiatives more effectively,”Adeniyi said.

She said that the secretariat would enable COWA to establish a stronger connection with members, ensuring that no one is left out or forgotten.

Adeniyi urged COWA members to continue to walk on the path of unity, strength, and progress to honore the sacrifices of their husbands by building a strong, supportive, and impactful association.

The COWA Chairperson, TINCAN Island command, Mrs Chinelo Dera-Nnadi, commended Adeniyi for her unwavering dedication to empowering the wives of customs officers.

Dera-Nnadi said that her leadership had been instrumental in ensuring that every customs officer’s wife has the opportunity to thrive and be self- sustained.

She said that the mission of COWA was to ensure that every wife of a customs officer was free from poverty and is empowered to achieve self-sustainability.

“Our mission is to equip these women with the tools they need to attain economic independence through education, sensitisation, and capacity building.

“Today we are empowering 14 members who have gone through vocational training with equipment and some take off grant. We are also extending our support to widows among us.

“In line with this mission and vision, we are privileged today to have our national president commission the newly revamped secretariat, we also appreciate the additional financial support from our President to beneficiaries including the windows.

 

“Additionally, we are proud to recognise some of our members who have completed the skill acquisition programmes in Multi-purpose liquid soap production, Pastry baking, and Production of all-purpose seasoning powder, ” she said.

 

She expressed her gratitude to her husband, Mr Dera Nnadi, who is the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Command, and his team for their support.

The Acting Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Dera Nnadi, appreciated the Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, for given him opportunity to head various commands and contribute to the revenue collection and surprised smugglers.

Nnadi commended all the officers in the command, as well as the media, for supporting him to achieve the milestones.

The Assistant Comptroller-General, who is also the Zonal Coordinator, Zone”A”, Charles Orbih, commended Customs wives for supporting their husbands in building supportive communities.

 

Orbih said that the secretariat would be a hub for empowerment and resources, adding that it will serve as a venue for shared experiences.

 

“When you officers know that their loved ones are engaged, their focus can remain on their important work by protecting our borders and facilitating legitimate trade.

 

“I will like to commend COWA president for all her support , your tireless effort and passion have yeilded magnificent edifice across other commands of COWA,”Orbih said.

In her goodwill message, the Vice Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarder, (NAGAFF), Princess Chi Ezeh, said that the command had made a history by building the secretariat.

She said that the command also made history by crossing the trillion Naira mark in revenue, adding that the achievement of revenue generation was only possible with the support of the stakeholders.

She commended the COWA president for empowering members and reducing poverty in the environment.

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About Flowerbudnews

Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers. We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism.

Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

The retired NAN Acting Boss holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

 

Ikeja:  Assistant Comptroller General Charles Orbih has assumed duty as the new Zonal Coordinator of Zone ‘A’ Headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, Edeminam Akanineyen, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

(A picture of the newly appointed ACG Land Donald Coordinator Done ‘A’ Charles Orbih)

In his inaugural address, Orbih pledged to strengthen the zonal structure through teamwork, innovation and stakeholder engagement.

He aligned his objectives with the policy focus of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, emphasising consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

Orbih, with decades of experience, has served in various capacities, including Customs Area Controller for Imo/Abia Command and Zonal Coordinator for Zone ‘C’.

Obih has also attended numerous professional courses on leadership and management, both locally and globally.

As the new Zonal Coordinator, Orbih is expected to leverage his expertise to enhance the zone’s performance and contribute to the Nigeria Customs Service’s overall success.

 

Lagos:   (NAN)/FLOWERBUDNEWS:  The Western Marine Command in Lagos, on Tuesday, handed over three suspects and 1,658 loaves of canabis sativa, weighing 788kg, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Customs Area Controller, Western Marine Command, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, who briefed newsmen on the command’s activities, handed the narcotics and suspects over to the the new NDLEA Commander, Western Marine Command, Mr Udoh Morrison.

Bamisaiye said that he was extremely pleased to handover the arrested suspects and a total of 1,658 loaves of Cannabis Sativa intercepted during three separate operations.

He said that the operations, conducted in the month of November, were at Ijegun Waterside, Bar Beach, and Ekare Beach Front.

The comptroller said that the operations were in direct enforcement of provisions of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“The seized cannabis sativa and arrested suspects will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

Bamisaiye also said that the command seized 295 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice and seven bags of 50kg refined granulated foreign sugar during the period.

“This was during separate anti-smuggling operations at “Point of No Return in Badagry and Panko Ere waterfronts on Nov. 21.

“The command will be handing over 386 bottles of 300ml codeine syrup, confiscated along the Yekeme-Joforo waterways to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“This is in line with the recent understanding reached at the last CGC Conference in Abuja,” he said.

The comptroller further said that the command intercepted 900 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), which according to him had been disposed off in line with extant laws.

He said the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of all the seized items was N182.1milion
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that the Western Marine Command will not hesitate to take decisive action against any individual or group attempting to undermine the government’s trade restrictions or fiscal policies.

“The inordinate quest by citizens to get rich by any means necessary fuels the menace of smuggling.

“Citizens must understand that smuggling is injurious to our economy and smuggling of hard drugs has even more devastating effect on our health and the economy,” Bamisaiye said.

He said that the command under his watch was poised more than ever to rid the waterways of smuggling and economic saboteurs for the benefit and growth of Nigeria’s economy.

Responding, Morrisson said that the purpose of his visit to the Customs Area Command was to seek partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service for the mutual benefit of the two sister service.

He also pleaded for a space in the Western Marine command to enable his officers perform their duties without stress.

Morrison said that agency also had good relationship with the Nigerian Navy, adding that since he assumed office at the Western Marine Command, he had received a total of 2.9. tonnes of seized cannabis sativa from the navy.

Meanwhile, the NCS, Western Marine Command, has handed over the intercepted codeine cough syrup to the the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The Director, Investigation and Enforcement of NAFDAC, Mr Shaba Muhammed, who was represented by Principal Regulatory Officer Mr Isha Salihu, while receiving the intercepted codeine syrup, commended the NCS.

He said that his agency was looking forward to more collaboration with the NCS in the area of interception and seizures of imported unwholesome food items as well as adulterated and counterfeit drugs.

 

Lagos:   The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said that it had intercepted 849 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth over N30 million in retail price from Operation Whirlwind.
The Comptroller of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known during a news conference in Ikeja.

“Today, we have another seizure of 849 kegs of PMS containing 25 litres each. This translates to 30,225 litres with duty paid value at N30.225 million only at the NNPCL retail price.

“Today marks yet another success recorded by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone “A” Lagos/Ogun Axis.

(The Comptroller of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, Coordinator of Whirlwind Operation displaying the intercepted Jerry Cans filled with fuel to newsmen in Lagos.)
“About five weeks ago, same PMS products were displayed before you here on the parade ground of the college where several seizures were made,”Ejibunu said.

“On this note, we wish to thank the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their unwavering support,”Ejibunu said.

The coordinator of the Operation Whirlwind said that two vehicles of means of conveyance were intercepted along with the seizures.

Ejibunu said that they evacuated 80 Jerry Cans each from two vehicles.

He assured the public that Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its efforts to clamp down on PMS smugglers, ensuring no room for their illegal activities nationwide.

— This partnership is ”not about NAFDAC; it’s not about Adeyeye or Adeniyi. It’s about saving the future of our country.”  – Prof. Moji Adeyeye

 

(NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye)

 

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant move to further  safeguard Nigeria’s public health and national security, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have forged a strategic partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The event took place on Thursday, the second day of the Comptroller-General of Customs’ 2024 Conference held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The historic event aims to strengthen collaboration in combatting the influx of illicit pharmaceutical products and other harmful substances into Nigeria.

Speaking during the event, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, described the signing of the MoU as a “significant stride” on the daily impact of the products regulated by her agency on Nigerians.

She said, “It is important because of you and I,” Adeyeye explained. We consume at least two of our regulated products every day—food and healthcare items.

”This partnership is about ensuring that the food, drugs, and healthcare products we take are safe and of the highest quality.”

Professor Adeyeye highlighted the threats posed by unregulated and illicit products to national security, as some approved chemicals can be misused by criminals and terrorists, adding, “This is of national significance.”

She lamented, “We have ghost companies that are not on our lists. This MoU marks the beginning of the end of such practices.”

Professor Moji further expressed gratitude for the close partnership with Customs officers, affirming that the initiative transcends individuals and agencies, stressing that, “It’s not about NAFDAC; it’s not about Adeyeye or Adeniyi. It’s about saving the future of our country.”

On his part, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi described the agreement as the culmination of years of dedicated dialogue and coordination between the two agencies.

Highlighting the critical mandate of the Customs Service in safeguarding national security, public health, and safety, stating, “What we have seen today is a culmination of efforts for several months—I must say, years—of regular consultation between the two of us. This partnership is a response to a major scourge we are facing in the country.”

Emphasising the specific provisions of the MoU, Adeniyi noted that Article 2 of the document outlined a comprehensive scope of collaboration, particularly in intelligence sharing, adding, “We’ll be talking about the exchange of intelligence between our agencies.

CGC Adeniyi further said, Sometimes, at midnight, NAFDAC DG sends intelligence to me, saying, “We learn that a suspicious container may be berthing in the morning. This kind of real-time information flow is critical to our joint efforts.”

Reflecting on the collaborative bond that has grown between NAFDAC and Customs personnel, CGC Adeniyi emphasised the hands-on commitment shown by officers at the nation’s ports and border stations.

He said, “When we declared a state of emergency in one of our ports, we were misunderstood, but the reports we have received indicate we are just scratching the surface of illicit pharmaceutical products entering our markets.

”It is time for all of us to say, collectively, that this will be the beginning of the end. We are going to save Nigeria and the future of our kids from these dangerous products.”

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About Flowerbudnews

Established by Hon.  Biola Lawal, a former Acting Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FLOWERBUDNEWS is a consortium of active veteran journalists, experienced Multimedia broadcast experts and image makers.

We are drawn from both public and private sectors of Nigeria’s media Industry with a common  determination to enhance the practice of responsible journalism.

Lawal, on his part, is also a former Honourable Commissioner for Information,Youth, Sports and Culture of Osun state, his home state.

Biola Lawal had also successfully served two tenures as Press Secretary to the ECOMOG Force Commander in Liberia during the Liberian and Sierra Leone Civil wars. He was an outstanding NAN Defence and War Correspondent for many years.

The retired former Acting NAN Boss, holds the honour of being the only journalist that served two terms on the ECOMOG international assignment due to his high professionalism and decency.

He is a Co-Author of the book; ECOMOG, A BOLD ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL PEACEKEEPING! Edited Mrs Magaret Voght.  The book remains the most. factual, detailed and authentic book on the ECOWAS sponsored ECOMOG Military operation.

 

Lagos:   The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Lilypond Export Command (LEXC) says it processed 405.979 metric tonnes of export with free-on-board value at $979.3 million in third quarter of 2024.

The Customs Area Controller of the command, Ajibola Odusanya, disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference in Lagos.

(The Customs Area Controller, Lilypond Export Command, Ajibola Odusanya)

Odusanya said that the command also processed 86,783 metric tonnes of export with free-on-board valued at $184.8 million in the second quarter of 2024.

The customs boss said that N5.33 billion was paid into the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) levy account in third quarter of 2024 compared to 640.1 million paid into NESS in second quarter of 2024.

He said that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) on export goods in third quarter stood at N136.0 million compared to N29.6 million DPV in second quarter of 2024.

The LEXC boss noted that the feat was achieved through consolidation, support of the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, planning, efficient operations and collaboration with stakeholders as well as regulatory agencies.

“A surcharge of N97.2 million was recorded based on the 2.5 per cent levy on the export of previously imported goods, in line with the Federal Government’s 2022 Fiscal Policy.

“Notable increase was recorded on export in third quarter due to consolidation. In the month of September 2024 alone, LEXC processed 3,363 export containers with a total weight of 221,961.53 metric tonnes.

“The total value of exports declared for September amounted to $202.2 million, and the highest contribution came from agricultural commodities.

“Agricultural commodities accounted for $93.7 million, followed by manufactured goods at $65.0 million.

“In addition, the Nigeria Customs Service generated a NESS revenue of N1.4 billion from September’s export activities.

“The command also collected N88.3 million in duties on exports of previously imported goods, based on the provisions of the 2022 Fiscal Policy,” Odusanya said.

The customs controller noted that the value of shipments in the third quarter saw a remarkable increase of 407.05 per cent, from $184.8 million recorded in second quarter of 2024 to $937.3 million recorded in third quarter of 2024.

He attributed the substantial rise to enhanced efficiency, following the consolidation of export seats at the command.

Odusanya said that the tonnage of exported goods also surged by 368.02 per cent from 86,783,93 metric tonnes to 405,979.72 metric tonnes.

According to him, this reflects the significant scaling up of export processing capacity at the LEXC.

He explained that NESS revenue collection recorded an extraordinary growth of 733.22 per cent climbing from N640.1 million in second quarter to N5.3 billion in the third quarter of 2024.

Odusanya stressed that the growth highlighted the positive impact on consolidation of revenue generation through improved tracking and proper documentation of export activities.

He said that the duty paid on exports of previously imported goods increased by 359.12 per cent from N29.6million DPV in second quarter compared to N136.0 million in third quarter of 2024.

Odusanya also linked its success to improved enforcement of customs regulations post-consolidation.

He said that consolidation of export seats at all Lagos ports into Lilypond Export Command had yielded significant gains, reflected in the impressive increases across key export metrics.

“The primary benefit was the elimination of bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously hindered smooth export processes.

“The centralisation of export operations has allowed for faster processing times for export documentation, improved compliance with NCS guidelines and regulations, and a more transparent and traceable export value chain.

“We extend our appreciation to other government regulatory agencies for their collaboration in ensuring an efficient and effective export clearing procedure.

“Their role in aligning with the trade facilitation initiatives of the Nigeria Customs Service has been vital in achieving these results,” Odusanya said.

He commended the Comptroller-General for equipping and motivating officers which made them determined to foster a safe and profitable environment for all categories of exporters.

The customs boss assured stakeholders of its commitment to continuously improve the export value chain, adding that export reform would further enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market.

 

 

¹By Aisha Cole

Lagos:  The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected N1.61 trillion in the third quarter of 2024.

Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said that the figure was higher than N1.17 trillion collected as total revenue in the year 2023.

(Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, Customs Area Controller, Apapa Customs Command.)

Olomu described the feat as a fall-out of diligence and integrity, adding that the command would continually engage with stakeholders to improve on revenue collection and reduce smuggling.

He identified the N201.8 billion collected in July and N193.9 billion in September as spectacular figures capable of being replicated again in the last quarter of 2024.

He said that various trade facilitation programmes put in place by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, were dutifully implemented.

Olomu listed some of the programme’s as su advance ruling, time release study and Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).

He commended the command’s effort for the achievement in increased revenue collection relying on diligent examination and uncompromising interventions through issuance of demand notices, where and when necessary.

The Area Controller reiterated the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling and warned those involved in illegal businesses to desist forthwith.

The Apapa customs official said that his command would continually engage with all stakeholders to sustain the rising level of compliance, which had resulted in reducing smuggling in the area.

He said that the strict monitoring of cargoes, constant profiling of port users, sensitisation of stakeholders, in-house training, and retraining of customs officers had jointly contributed to the zero level of smuggling in recent times.

Olomu urged port users in Apapa to avail themselves of the services of the dispute resolution team to resolve all areas of uncertainty while reassuring stakeholders of the command’s readiness to assist at all times.

He thanked sister government agencies for their support and said the command would leverage on its relationship with them to share intelligence against criminal elements.

“Our revenue collection is good, and I know that we can do better with more impressive results in the last quarter of 2024.

“I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation in supporting us to achieve this level of collection.

“To reduce smuggling activities is a testament to affirm the compliance we are celebrating, and I can say the best is yet to come.

“We are not losing guard. Our tempo of vigilance is air-tight, which attests to our capacity to detect smuggling and make seizures,” he said.

He said that through trade facilitation, anti-smuggling activities were done side by side,l leveraging on non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and physical examination when necessary

 

Lagos:   ,The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three containers loaded with illicit drugs,valued at over N682 million.

(The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Dera Nnadi, engaging stakeholders on effect of smuggling illicit)

The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Dera Nnadi, made the disclosure during a stakeholder engagement and handing over to NDLEA at the command premises in Lagos on Wednesday.

Nnadi said that the seizure was made possible through actionable intelligence and interagency collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“You are all witnessing the successful interception and handover of the drugs to NDLEA.
“The seized containers, which arrived from a source country, were found to contain 684 packets of cannabis Indica, weighing 341.025 kg.

(The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Dera Nnadi, engaging stakeholders on effect of smuggling illicit)

“A Container Number MSMU 518030/2 (1x40ft): a joint 100 per cent physical examination conducted on August 2, revealed 77 packets of cannabis Indica weighing 38.5 kg. The container was declared to contain three used vehicles.

“Container Number MSMU 602957/0 (1x40ft) examined on August 8 held 532 packets of cannabis indica weighing 265.025 kg. No declaration had been entered for this consignment.

” Another container numbered FSCU 927461/3 (1x40ft): also examined on August 8 container contained 75 packets of cannabis indica weighing 37.5 kg. Similar to the second container, no declaration have been entered,” Nnadi said.

The customs area controller emphasised the importance of interagency collaboration in tackling the menace of illegal drug importation.

He said that the service would deploy all necessary resources and strategies at its disposal, and in collaboration with other security and regulatory agencies to check the menace of illegal importation of illicit and dangerous substances.

Nnadi said that NDLEA was currently conducting further investigations into the interdiction, with updates on arrests and prosecutions.

He said that the operation underscored the commitment of the NCS and NDLEA to safeguarding Nigerian society from the dangers of illicit drugs.

The Customs Area Controller, Tincan Island Command, Dera Nnadi, engaging stakeholders on effect of smuggling illicit drugs.[/caption]