The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Western Marine Command said it has made revenue of N48.85 million to the Federal Government through seizure of contraband and smuggled goods.
Public Relations Officer of the command, Tangwa Emmanuel who disclosed this to SHIPS PORTS DAILY, said the seizures were recorded between January and June 2018.
“The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, saddled with the statutory functions of suppression of smuggling activities and enforcement of other extant laws, has in six months, from January to June, 2018 made unprecedented seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) at forty-eight million, eight hundred and fifty four thousand, four hundred and sixty eight Naira, twenty eight kobo only, as opposed to what was realized in 2017 within same period under review, January to June 2017.”
He said the total value of items seized in the same period of 2017 was N27, 323,635.04, indicating an increase in DPV N21, 530,833.24.
Commenting on the achievement, Controller of the Command, Comptroller Sarkin-kebbi M. Mustapha attributed the successes to new strategies put in place by the command, saying they are yielding desired results.
He advised those still involved in the illegal business of smuggling to desist or continue to face the crackdown of his officers and men on the water-ways and creeks.
Some of the items seized were foreign parboiled rice, frozen Turkey products, vegetable oil, Premium Motor Spirits (PMS), St. Louis sugar and second hand clothing.
The CAC restated that the laudable feet achieved so far was without daunting challenges in the area of logistics, adding: “We will not sit and say we don’t have working tools. We will use what is on ground to do the needful.”
Comptroller Sarkin-Kebbi reaffirmed his commitment in fighting smuggling to standstill with the creation of “Operation Total Blockade”, “CAC HQ Surveillance Team” and “CAC HQ Anti-smuggling squad,” which are operating on a 24-hour routine within the command’s area of jurisdiction.
He assured the general public who are interested in knowing the position of the sea-going vessels at Marina-Lagos that plans were on top gear for the complete handing over to customs of the vessels.
He thank the CGC and his Management team for working round the clock to see that these sea-going vessels are handed to customs and commissioned for use.
The Customs boss appealed to the general public to assist the command with inputs that will help in fighting the economic saboteurs whose intent was to continue attacking innocent customs officers who are discharging their lawful duties all over the country.