The Niger Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected N2.4 billion revenue in 2017.
The Command’s Area Controller, Comptroller Benjamin Binga, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Minna on Friday.
“Our projected revenue target for 2017 is N2.8 billion, but we achieved 83.4 per cent of the revenue figure,’’ Benga said.
Binga said that the Command had introduced more comprehensive security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.
He disclosed that the Area Command had issued an order to officers deployed in border posts in Tungan Madugu, Kibira and Agbara Rofiya in Borgu Local Government area of Niger.
“The order was also sent to officers in border posts in Chikanda, Yashikira, Kuso Boso in Barutem Local Government area of Kwara State.
“We are battle ready to end smuggling through our various strategies that will pave way for arrest and prosecution of smugglers,’’ the controller said.
The Customs boss solicited for the support of traditional rulers and stakeholders in sensitising residents to the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
“We have also reached out to youths in the border communities to assist our field officers with required intelligence information that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.
“The Command is no go area for smugglers as competent officers have been stationed on identified illegal routes of smugglers to ensure their arrest and prosecution,’’ the controller said.
He also solicited for the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace export of local goods.
According to Binga, there is much to gain from legal trade than smuggling.
He called on officers and men of the command to continue to put in their best, promising that hard working ones would be rewarded.
The Area Command is made up of Niger, Kogi and Kwara states commands of the Service.