The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command said it generated N518 billion into the federation and non-federation accounts in 2020.
The Comptroller, Mohammed Abba-Kura, disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to him, the revenue profile of the command significantly increased by N94.3 million from N423.6 billion in 2019, indicating a 22.3 per cent rise.
He said, “As regards anti-smuggling and in line with the provision of extant circulars, trade guidelines and enforcement of government fiscal policy measures, the command was able to further strengthen its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs.
“This was done through credible intelligence-driven operations and continuous partnership with other relevant agencies for effective port management to stem their illegitimate activities.
“Accordingly, the command made a total of 318 seizures with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N21.19 billion and these figures almost tripled the total seizures for the year 2019 which stood at 112 with total Duty Paid value of N12.5 billion.”
Abba-Kura listed some of the seized items to include: 133 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, including tramadol, 58 containers of parboiled rice, 30 containers of vegetable oil, 31 of used clothes and shoes, 13 of used tyres, and other sundry items.
He said the command also witnessed a boost in export activities from 262,095 metric tons in 2019 to 1,311,365 metric tons in 2020.
Abba-Kura pointed out that the Free on Board (FOB) value for the exported items equally moved up from $132.76 million to $340.88 million within the period under review.
The comptroller said the items exported included steel bars as well as agricultural and mineral products.
“It is instructive to note that these unprecedented achievements were made possible as a result of our officers’ doggedness and tireless commitment to their duties, despite the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging economies all over the world.
“Nonetheless, as we look forward to a prosperous and glorious year ahead, the command has taken bold initiatives to ensure the collection of appropriate revenue by creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive,” he said.