The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected the sum of N973.5 million in October, representing its highest monthly revenue in 2014.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos by the Command’s Spokesman, Mr Ernest Olottah.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the command recorded revenue of N963.7 million in September.
According to the statement, the command also made 24 seizures of rice, frozen poultry products and other general goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N32 million.
The Customs Area Controller of Seme, Mr Willy Egbudin, described the revenue collection feat as a product of increased compliance by stakeholders and non- compromise by customs officers.
Egbudin promised to continue making the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans-border illegalities.
The comptroller said the service had resolved to maximally collect all revenues due to the government through customs duty with continuous improvement in the blockage of all identifiable sources of leakages.
He said the command had commenced intensified patrols ahead of the Yuletide season when smuggling activities are at the peak.
Egbudin said the smugglers who changed routes to other areas like Shaki, Oyo State and Idiroko, Ogun, were not finding it easy.
According to him, the customs operatives there (Shaki and Idiroko) are matching them strength for strength and are seizing their wares.
“In carrying out the directives of our Comptroller-General, Dikko Abdullahi, I have constantly sensitised and reminded our officers and men of the zero tolerance for smuggling stance.
“On this, there is no going back. We are sending a strong warning to smugglers that daring us means a venture into big regrets.
“We are ready to deploy our logistics for intelligence, interdiction, arrest, seizure and diligent prosecution of suspects.
“We shall continue to apply the strategy of enlightenment and sensitisation with all our stakeholders and keep dissuading them from smuggling and other border related unlawful activities,’’ he said.
The comptroller assured the trading public and travellers across the border that customs’ presence at strategic and approved points would assist in facilitation of legitimate trade at the borders and transit routes into Lagos.
He said their presence would also promote security
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.