The Nation Newspaper

Tag: customs

  • Customs smashes smuggling ring, seizes N1.5bn worth of prohibited goods in Lagos

    Customs smashes smuggling ring, seizes N1.5bn worth of prohibited goods in Lagos

    The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja, has uncovered a transborder smuggling syndicate responsible for illegally moving containers and banned goods out of the country’s seaports and border stations. The Unit made seizures worth over ₦1.5 billion within just three weeks.

    Speaking to journalists in Lagos, the newly appointed Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, said four suspects were arrested in connection with the smuggled items, which have a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦1,501,312,425.00.

    “In a significant achievement in our ongoing battle against illicit trade, our team acted on credible intelligence and successfully intercepted and seized seven 20-foot containers loaded with various prohibited items across Lagos,” Shuaibu revealed.

    Preliminary investigations, Shuaibu said, “revealed the following contents:  MSKU 8551954 contained used tyres and vehicles, SYDU 1479614 stocked with foreign parboiled rice, MSKU 7751689 stacked with foreign parboiled rice, MSKU 798700   stocked with foreign parboiled rice, ZCSU 8845072 stocked with new shoes, ZCSU  7055181 filled with new clothes, and PIDU  4258491 contained new bags that can be manufactured within the country.”

    Read Also: Customs warns against false declaration, duties evasion

    In the same vein, Shuaibu said, “Our renewed efforts have significantly bolstered our strategies to secure Nigeria’s southwestern states’ borders against economic saboteurs.

    Within this short period of three weeks, he said, “This unit has inflicted substantial losses on these non-state actors through the interception of numerous illegal goods.

    Notable seizures, Shuaibu said, “include 4,085 bags of foreign parboiled rice, each weighing 50kg—equivalent to seven (7) trailer loads. 15 illegally imported foreign-used vehicles. 82 packs of Tramadol, with 10 sachets per pack, 246 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa. 290 Jerry cans of premium motor spirit (PMS), 12 Bales and 4 sacks of used clothing.”

    The Nigeria Customs Service, he said, “remains resolute in its efforts to combat smuggling, counterfeit products, and other forms of illicit trade. These achievements testify to our unwavering dedication to protecting our economy and citizens. We will continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and border communities to dismantle the networks engaged in illicit activities.

    “In line with the dictate of the NCS to foster inter-agency collaboration, we will be handing over the seized 246kg of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the tramadol capsules will be handed over to the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and prosecution. We encourage the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to smuggling or illicit trade. I also urged our declarants to remain honest in their declarations to avoid unnecessary bottlenecks.

    The press briefing, he stated, was called, “in alignment with the principles of open governance advocated by the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and his management team.”

  • Customs warns against false declaration, duties evasion

    Customs warns against false declaration, duties evasion

    The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja has warned importers and their clearing agents against making false declarations in their documentation as the Unit has vowed to tighten its noose through intelligence-driven operations against underpaying duties and any form of concealment by any economic saboteur.

    The Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu also emphasised the importance of complying with global best practices and established rules of engagement in maritime and shipping operations to prevent the seizure of their goods.

    Shuaibu gave the warning during a courtesy visit by the members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), to his office in Lagos.

    Shuaibu, an anti-smuggling czar, promised to deploy his wealth of experience to navigate the complexities of the Unit and bring to bear intelligence-driven operations rather than stopping containers incessantly on the highways.

    READ ALSO: FULL LIST: Six states where candidates affected by JAMB error will retake UTME exams

    He said: “This command is meant to be an anti-smuggling command, but we also facilitate trade. In terms of our anti-smuggling activities, very soon we are going to showcase some of our seizures to the public. These include some illicit drugs and the suspects involved in the deal.

    “I do intelligence-driven operations. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we don’t just stop any kind of containers, even those checking points you see our officers roving around, we would want to eradicate that, while we will be doing intelligence-driven operations.

    “So, at any point in time, you will see that our officers will stop you and then remove those illegal items that are supposed to be extracted from your consignment. If importers and clearing agents are honest in declaring exactly what they have in their containers, why do we need to disturb ourselves moving around with vehicles to track them? We should relax in the comfort of our office to do the operation.

    “So, sometimes, if you see such officers coming out, it is because of the insincerity of the declarants or the importers. Now, we are going to be doing intelligence-driven operations, so if you see them stationed at a strategic location, it is because of the information at our disposal that we are tracking,” he explained.

    He, therefore enjoined importers and clearing agents to always be compliant in their declarations, saying “if they are compliant, we don’t need to see contrabands inside their boxes”.

    He also urged the media to continue to support the NCS in sensitising the general public about engaging in legitimate trade and making honest declarations at the point of entry.

    He promised to consolidate on the successes achieved earlier, collaborate and synergise with the necessary stakeholders in facilitating trade.

    According to him, the command is always collaborating with sister agencies, and one of such collaborations was recently done with the Nigerian Army.

    He said the Service is also collaborating with the media to showcase its operational modalities and also sensitise the public and engage the youths to do legitimate business while shunning illegal dealings.

    According to him, the sensitisation programme helps to facilitate trade and gives the importers the necessary information regarding cross-border trade.

    “Some of them don’t even know that what they are doing is illegal. So, many times we have to adopt surveillance strategies to police the unapproved routes, and then rechannel them to the approved routes. Some of them are doing legitimate businesses but they don’t know, they still go through the unapproved routes. Meanwhile they only need to do a few documentation and go. So these are part of the sensitisation that we have been doing when I was in Ogun, and I will extend it to other commands so that they will now understand the proper way of cross-border trade.

    “This will make the whole operation seamless and then the government will also generate more revenue while the public will also engage in different kinds of legitimate trade and create more employment opportunities,” he stated.

    The President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele commended the NCS particularly the Comptroller – General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi and officers of FOU Zone  ‘A’ for their gallant stance to protect the economy against economic saboteurs and illicit items, assuring that the media would continue to support the campaign against smuggling to boost the nation’s economy.

    .

  • Customs warns importers, agents against false declaration, evasion of duties

    Customs warns importers, agents against false declaration, evasion of duties

    The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja has warned importers and their clearing agents against making false declarations in their documentation, as the unit has vowed to tighten its noose through intelligence-driven operations against underpaying duties and any form of concealment by any economic saboteur.

    The Controller of the Unit, Mohammed Shuaibu, also emphasised the importance of complying with global best practices and established rules of engagement in maritime and shipping operations to prevent the seizure of their goods.

     Shuaibu gave the warning during a courtesy visit by the members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) to his office in Lagos.

    Shuaibu, an anti-smuggling czar, promised to deploy his wealth of experience to navigate the complexities of the Unit and bring to bear intelligence-driven operations rather than stopping containers incessantly on the highways.

    He said, “This command is meant to be an anti-smuggling command, but we also facilitate trade. In terms of our anti-smuggling activities, very soon we are going to showcase some of our seizures to the public. These include some illicit drugs and the suspects involved in the deal.

    “I do intelligence-driven operations. What we are trying to do is to ensure that we don’t just stop any kind of containers, even those checking points you see our officers roving around, we would want to eradicate that, while we will be doing intelligence-driven operations.

    “So, at any point in time, you will see that our officers will stop you and then remove those illegal items that are supposed to be extracted from your consignment. If importers and clearing agents are honest in declaring exactly what they have in their containers, why do we need to disturb ourselves moving around with vehicles to track them? We should relax in the comfort of our office to do the operation.

    Read Also: Customs agents call for active policy implementation

    “So, sometimes, if you see such officers coming out, it is because of the insincerity of the declarants or the importers. Now, we are going to be doing intelligence-driven operations, so if you see them stationed at a strategic location, it is because of the information at our disposal that we are tracking”, he explained.

    He, therefore, enjoined importers and clearing agents to always be compliant in their declarations, saying, “If they are compliant, we don’t need to see contrabands inside their boxes”.

    He also urged the media to continue to support the NCS in sensitising the general public about engaging in legitimate trade and making honest declarations at the point of entry.

    He promised to consolidate on the successes achieved earlier, collaborate and synergise with the necessary stakeholders in facilitating trade.

    According to him, the command is always collaborating with sister agencies, and one of such collaboration was recently done with the Nigerian Army.

    He said the Service is also collaborating with the media to showcase its operational modalities and also sensitise the public and engage the youths to do legitimate business while shunning illegal dealings.

    According to him, the sensitisation programme helps to facilitate trade and gives the importers the necessary information regarding cross-border trade.

    “Some of them don’t even know that what they are doing is illegal. So, many times we have to adopt surveillance strategies to police the unapproved routes, and then rechannel them to the approved routes. Some of them are doing legitimate businesses, but they don’t know, they still go through the unapproved routes. Meanwhile, they only need to do a little documentation and go. So these are part of the sensitisation that we have been doing when I was in Ogun, and I will extend it to other commands so that they will now understand the proper way of cross-border trade.

    “This will make the whole operation seamless, and then the government will also generate more revenue while the public will also engage in different kinds of legitimate trade and create more employment opportunities,” he stated.

    The President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele commended the NCS particularly the Comptroller – General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi and officers of FOU Zone  ‘A’ for their galant stance to protect the economy against economic saboteurs and illicit items, assuring that the media would continue to support the campaign against smuggling to boost the nation’s economy.

  • Customs agents call for active policy implementation

    Customs agents call for active policy implementation

    President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Lucky Amiwero, has called on the government to ensure that the recently approved National Marine and Blue Economy Policy which is aimed at transforming the nation’s underutilised marine and coastal assets into sustainable economic drivers, is fully implemented.

    The policy, according to the minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represents a strategic shift towards maximising the blue economy’s potential as it sets out a comprehensive 10-year roadmap for harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s oceans, seas, rivers, and inland waterways.

    Although Amiwero hailed the policy, he however, expressed worries on its execution and implementation.

    “Marine and blue economy is not just a policy issue; it’s about real development. It involves serious commitment to ocean exploitation and sustainable resource management,” Amiwero explained.

    “Nigeria has what it takes, but we are waiting to see the actual implementation of these policies. We have seen many frameworks, but the key issue is implementation. We must wait and see how they are coming up with their strategies.”

    Amiwero said the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable management of marine resources and renewable energy, offers immense potential. However, he stressed that the focus must shift from creating policies to executing them effectively.

    READ ALSO: Corruption and failed refineries

    “The concept of the blue economy is not just a policy issue; it’s about developing and seriously addressing ocean, river, and renewable energy resources,” he said.

    In addition, Amiwero warned against the  proposal by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which proposed reducing cargo clearance times at the Tin Can Island Port to just two hours.

    While NCS Controller Frank Onyeka expressed confidence in the B’Odogwu system, which aims to streamline clearance and reduce delays, Amiwero was skeptical about the feasibility of such bold targets under current conditions.

    “The idea of clearing cargo in two hours is not realistic at this moment,” the NCMDLCA President remarked.

    “There are still many issues, such as inadequate energy supply, high electricity costs, and a lack of coordination among stakeholders. Without significant infrastructure improvements, including reliable power and a complete overhaul of the port system, it’s hard to see this happening.”

    Despite his reservations, he acknowledged the efforts by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other agencies to improve port operations. The B’Odogwu system, which Onyeka described as glitch-free, is part of broader initiatives aimed at enhancing cargo processing efficiency. However, Amiwero maintained that achieving these ambitious goals will require significant investments in infrastructure and operational reforms.

    “We need reforms, but they must be backed by substantial infrastructure and coordinated action to succeed,” he concluded.

    As Nigeria’s maritime sector evolves, the true test of its policies, according to industry observers, will be how effectively they are implemented, supported by long-term investments and systematic reforms. For now, stakeholders remain cautious but hopeful, understanding that real progress will depend on overcoming the existing infrastructure and coordination challenges.

  • Customs eyes two-hour cargo clearance at Tin-Can port

    Customs eyes two-hour cargo clearance at Tin-Can port

    The Tincan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that the full implementation of the B’Odogwu system at the the command will reduce cargo clearance period to about two hours.

    Controller of the Command, Frank Onyeka, said the new technology is network glitch-free, hence would ease the difficulties in cargo clearance and facilitate trade.

    Onyeka, who diclosed this during a courtesy visit by members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), in Lagos, urged importers and clearing agents to always make honest declarations.

    His words: “Under normal circumstances, When B’Odogwu comes to TinCan and you declare appropriately, you can move your goods in two hours. I can’t tell you categorically. Because B’Odogwu is ours. B’Odogwu is fresh. B’Odogwu is network glitch-free”. 

    He said the command is already engaging in massive sensitisation of stakeholders and training of appropriate personnel.

    “ If you were here yesterday morning and the day before yesterday, we were here training people. We are now doing training, we trained ourselves, we trained clearing agents, we trained importers.

    “As of yesterday afternoon, we were talking to shipping companies and shipping lines. We discovered that the problem we are having is lack of knowledge. People are yet to key in strict sense into the B’Odogwu platform and that is a major problem.

    “So sensitization is ongoing, and we believe that once we are able to spread that good news, we will get more people on board.

    “So we did a practical exam here for them to know the right buttons to press, how to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. Obviously for things that are starting, it is not automatic. We are bound to have challenges, and those challenges are what we are trying to see as much as possible to de-emphasize when we take off fully. 

    “I must tell you, Customs is ready. But the problem we are having now is that agents are changing from what you consider to be the norm, to be something that is about to be perfect, and it will take a while. So we are there sensitizing them and we are getting good news. They are keying into it.”

    Meanwhile, Onyeka said the command generated an impressive N145 billion in revenue in the month of April 2025, a significant increase from the N95.7 billion collected during the same period in April 2024.

    He added that the command has already generated N27 billion in revenue for May 2025.

    He enjoined the importers and clearing agents to always make appropriate declarations in order to aid trade facilitation at the seaports.

    “One of the things we have told them, like we keep telling them, is to declare appropriately. If declarations are appropriate, if there are no lies about declarations, if there is no falsehood about it, everything moves seamlessly.

    “I came on board and told them this. Declare appropriately. If you are carrying a telephone on your bill, upon examination, I want to see the telephone, and you paid appropriately, you don’t need to waste time. Where we have time wasted, where we have issues, is lack of proper declaration. Now imagine some of the time you have papers, and upon examination I find generators”.

    The Customs Comptroller however said the level of compliance at TinCan port is increasing drastically.

    “And that is why we are not having many seizures, because they are not coming our way,” he added.

    Sounding a note of warning to the importers and agent, Onyeka said: “I have a pedigree for no nonsense. There are certain things that I’m well above of. I’ll tell you, I’m not a businessman. I’m not an importer. I’m not a clearing agent. I’m a Customs officer. And for those who have heard, the records are there. I will not support you if you are involved in shady deals. So, my body language will tell you certain things should not come my way. And I’ll tell them, don’t bring it to TinCan port.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s economic agenda and Customs Act 2023

    “Because, as far as I am concerned , there is nothing like an abandoned seizure. I will seize it. I will prosecute you, and I will put you to a logical conclusion.” He said.

    He said the Customs has made the system so seamless and easy for the clearing agents, saying; “There are no more multiple alerts. There are no more cases of unduly picking containers, taking to enforcement, and making things difficult for people. That much I’ve been able to achieve. So, if this platform is available for you, then why go into nefarious activity?”

    He commended the media for supporting the growth of the Nigerian Customs and the entire marine and blue economy sector, urging them to continue to play their constitutional role of societal watchdog with diligence and patriotism.

    Speaking earlier, the President of SCAN, Moses Ebosele who led the delegation commended the CAC for his open door policy, adding that members of SCAN are guided by the ethics of the profession.

  • Committee urges Customs on reforms

    Committee urges Customs on reforms

    The Customs Consultative Committee (CCC) has urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on reforms to sustain its current gains.

    In a statement signed by its secretary, Eugene Nweke, the group lauded the NCS for what it described as an “exceptional performance” in trade enforcement and revenue generation, especially under the framework of the National Strategic Economic Development Plan (NSEDP).

    The group highlighted areas for further improvement and offered a set of recommendations aimed at sustaining the momentum. These include regular training for customs officers, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and upgraded technological infrastructure.

    Other suggestions cover risk assessment enhancements, awareness campaigns on the Customs Act 2023, and stronger adherence to the 7Cs of Customs—Courtesy, Competence, Consistency, Compliance, Control, Communication, and Cooperation; as well as the international Alushta Declaration on Customs Integrity.

    Read Also: What then is the hope of a Nigerian student?

    The committee also called for an upgrade to server capacity and bandwidth to better support the B’Odogwu platform, noting that seamless transactions and reduced system downtime are vital for trade facilitation.

    “Going forward, the CCC urges the NCS to implement these recommendations within the next six months and expresses confidence in the service’s ability to continue delivering outstanding results,” the statement read.

    In addition, the committee reiterated its “unwavering support” for the customs service and expressed readiness for continued collaboration.

    The committee commended the recent interception of 11 containers of prohibited and restricted imports at the Apapa Port Command, which included unregistered pharmaceuticals and expired margarines. The seized goods carry a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N921,021,213.

    “The seizure is a testament to the service’s commitment to national security and economic growth,” the committee said.

    The group also lauded the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his team, attributing recent gains to their “vision and commitment to excellence.”

  • Customs boss commissions school, clinic in Lagos

    Customs boss commissions school, clinic in Lagos

    …pledges more impactful projects

    The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has restated the Service’s commitment to social development through strategic investments in host communities, as he commissioned a newly renovated school and a healthcare centre in Sagbokoji, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State.

    The unveiling, which took place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, is part of the NCS’s ‘Customs Cares’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, an initiative aimed at supporting underserved communities with critical infrastructure.

    The projects included the full renovation of the Local Authority Primary School and the Primary Healthcare Centre, both of which serve residents of the Sagbokoji riverine community.

    Speaking during the commissioning, Adeniyi said the initiative was designed to directly impact lives, especially in education and healthcare.

    He said: “We are undertaking projects that will have a direct impact on our schools and our students. We have brought school bags, exercise books, textbooks, and sandals for all the pupils of this school. We are also improving infrastructure where we see the deficit, and what we have chosen to do is to renovate the entire school.”

    The CGC added that healthcare remains a cornerstone of sustainable development, stating: “We know that the needs of this community is more than what we have done, but we have taken the first step towards entering into an enduring partnership with this community.”

    Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, said the project reflects the service’s compassion for the communities it serves.

    “The benevolence from Customs shows that we have compassion for the communities where we cohabit, and this was what informed this very project. In the last four weeks, it’s been both day and night. Workers have been here, with the active support of our distinguished stakeholders, to ensure that this project sees the light of day,” Olomu said.

    Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Valentine Buraimoh described the intervention as a historic move by a uniformed agency.

    “This is the first time we are witnessing uniform men in the helm of affairs doing this project. And today, I’m highly elated for this gesture. I want to appreciate the NCS for renovating our school and the Primary Healthcare centre,” he stated.

    The headmaster of LA Primary School, Oladeyo Emmanuel, praised the NCS for the facelift, noting it would motivate both teachers and students to improve performance.

    The event concluded with the distribution of learning materials to pupils and the official handover of the upgraded facilities. It marks another milestone in the Customs’ evolving role as not just a revenue-generating agency, but also a socially responsible institution.

  • Onne Customs seized 844 rifles, 112,500 ammunition in 2024

    Onne Customs seized 844 rifles, 112,500 ammunition in 2024

    The Onne command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it seized about 844 rifles and 112,500 round of ammunitions imported into the country from Turkey in 2024, arresting some suspects in the process. 

    This is just as the chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), relevant government agencies, stakeholders and all Nigerians must take the importation and proliferation of illicit drugs, arms, ammunition as a big challenge because of their devastating effects on the nation especially their contribution on security challenges lives in Nigeria.

    The command also seized 9.624 million bottles of 100 ml syrup with codeine, 11.679 million tablets of 50mg of really extra diclofeenac, 64.958 million tablet of 225 mg of tapendatol, a brand of tamadol that has the ability to collapse the central nervous system. 

    They also siezed 14.250 million tablet or 5 mg, of benzhexol, 15.6 million tablet of 4mg chlorphenamie, 25 drums of diphenhydramine hydrochloride IP of 25 kg each, 480,000 tablets of Stapsiril, 108,000 tablets of rapid pills for sore throat.

    In addition, the command also siezed are 192,990 tablets or microgram of contiflo, 7.665 million capsule of 200 mg of gonorrhoea antibiotics, 38.840 million tablets of lemotil , 600,000 tablets of Sildentil citrate, 2.175 million tablets of 200 my hyergra (a brand of Viagra) and 4.830 million capsules of 300mg of pregabalin. 

    Controller of the command, Mohammed Babandede said it took officers of command, assisted by a team of soldiers led by a General from the office of the National Security Adviser, two days to count the seized weapons. 

    He said the cache of arms has been handed over to the National Security Adviser for custody while those arrested in connection with the import are expected to face trial, adding that arms were enough to cause disruption in the entire southern part of the country if they had entered the country

    Chairman of the House Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapon, Aliyu Happy Misau said aside from arresting some suspects in connection with the arms importation, the originator of the importation in Turkey was arrested and brought to Nigeria to face trial. 

    He said the antibiotics seized by the command were dangerous to the health of humans, saying incidences of banditry, kidnapping and other organised crimes in the country were directly linked with the illegal importation of arms and illicit drugs. 

    While commending the officers and men of the commnad for their achievement, Chairman of the Committee, Leke Abejide said the catche of arms would have gained access into the country and used by enemies of the state to distablise the country. 

    According to the Chairman, the seizure was mind boggling and would have created a big security and health risks to the country and the citizens especially as the country battles various types of insecurity challenges across the country in the form of insurgency, banditry, kidnappings and wantont killings by criminals and no state actors.

    He asked officers of the command to be more. Vigilant in their operations, saying available information has it that some of the containers being transfered to bonded terminals which are usually not infected at the point of entry always carry illicit drugs. 

    Abejide however emphasize the need for the customs to be equipped with modern scanners to ensure easy detection of illicit arms and drugs being imported into the country saying it will make the work of the Customs easier. 

    He explained that the essence of the e-customs was to modernise the operations of the service, saying the concessionaires, Trade Modernisation Project were supposed to install scanners in all areas of Customs operations. 

    He said “the concession is for 20 billion dollars for 20 years and they are supposed to deploy scanners. When they do that, your revenue will increase. 

    “Nigerians should be proud that the Customs is deploying an indigenous technology for its operations. The B’Odogwu was designed by Nigerians”.

    Read Also: Customs raked in N1.7tr in Q1

    He expressed concern over constant seizure of illicit drugs in all Customs, saying the House will support any legislation aimed at addressing drug abuse, especially the smuggling of illicit drugs into the country. 

    On welfare of the officers, Abejide said his committee was in full support of increasing salaries ot Customs Officers and has recommended a 100 percent increase as a way of motivating them. 

    He also said that the committee was compiling a list of abandoned projects across all customs formations, especially those that has to do with the accommodation of officers. 

    The Assistant Conotroller General in charge of Zone, Sambo Dangaladima told the committee that because of the unique nature of Onne, officers posted there are always profiled before they are deployed to serve there. 

  • Customs raked in N1.7tr in Q1

    Customs raked in N1.7tr in Q1

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it collected N1.7trillion in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025). Its Comptroller -General, Adewale Adeniyi made this known at a media parley in Abuja on the NCS activities in the Q1 2025.

    With this collection, the NCS may be on a steady path to the realisation of annual revenue target set at N6.5 trillion as it has already surpassed its target for the period under review set at N1.64 trillion by N106.5 billion, representing 6.47 per cent. The Q1 2025 target also represented 29.96 per cent increase over the N1.34 trillion collection of Q1 2024.

    In his month-by-month analysis, Adeniyi revealed that the service in January collected N647,880,245,243.67 to surpass the target of N548.33 billion by 18.12 per cent, and also recorded a 65.77 per cent year-on-year growth.

    Similarly, February’s N540,105,439,535.18 collection exceeded its target by 1.3 per cent while achieving 19.97 per cent growth over 2024 figures. In March, the NCS maintained the positive trend with N563,516,567,519.20, delivering 2.7 per cent above target and an 11.22 per cnt improvement over March 2024.

    Adeniyi however attributed the positive performance to Reforms initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. He added that the robust statistics were due to the hard work of the NCS officers.

    “Let me emphasise that every statistic we share today represents the hard work of our customs officers – stopping illegal goods at our borders, enabling lawful trade, and securing vital government revenue.

    “While we’ve achieved significant successes this quarter, we’ve also encountered challenges that have provided valuable lessons for our ongoing operations,” he said.

    Adeniyi said NCS maintained robust anti-smuggling operations during the first quarter of 2025, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N7,698,557,347.67.

    He said this represents a significant 78.41 per cent increase compared to the N4,315,162,568.35 recorded in Q4 2024, demonstrating heightened operational effectiveness.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts contraband worth over N1b in Owerri

    The Customs boss said however, when compared to Q1 2024’s N9,587,256,998.05,  the  Service  observed  a  19.70 per cent  reduction  in Duty Paid Value  (DPV), attributable to improved compliance through sustained stakeholder engagement and the deterrent effect of the enforcement activities.

    He said rice remained the most prevalent seized commodity, with 159 cases involving 135,474 bags valued at N939,309,698.00.

    He stressed that petroleum products followed with 61 seizures totaling 65,819 liters (N43,336,160.81 DPV).

    According to him, of particular note were 22 narcotics interceptions valued at ₦730,748,173.00, reflecting our intensified focus on combating drug trafficking.

    The Service, he said, also recorded three high-value wildlife product seizures with a remarkable ₦5,653,522,600.00 DPV, underscoring both the lucrative nature of this illegal trade and our commitment to environmental protection under international conventions.

    He said other notable seizures included textile fabrics (13 cases, ₦134,219,330.00 DPV), retreaded tires (five cases, ₦104,599,000.00 DPV), and pharmaceuticals (1 case, ₦17,188,000.00 DPV).

    Adeniyi said, these comprehensive results demonstrate the Service’s vigilance across all categories of prohibited and restricted goods.

    He said the total trade value handled by the Service in Q1 2025 amounted to ₦36.31trillion.

    Adeniyi said in the period under review import N14.8 trillion while it was N21.51 trillion, indicating a trade surplus of N6.9 trillion.

    He said: “During the first quarter of 2025, the Service processed a total of 327,928 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) for imports, handling goods with a total mass of 4,910,640,283.33 kilograms and a Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of ₦14,807,960,201,235.00.

    “In Q1 2025, the Service processed 8,153 export shipments (SGDs), representing a 6.4% decrease from Q4 2024 (8,710 SGDs) and a 24.4per cent decline from Q1 2024 (10,786 SGDs).

    “Despite fewer transactions, export mass reached 5.03 billion kilograms – a 10 per cent reduction from Q4 2024’s 5.58 billion kg but a remarkable 348 per cent increase from Q1 2024’s 1.12 billion kg.

    “The CIF value stood at ₦21.51 trillion, showing a 19 per cent increase from Q4 2024’s ₦18.07 trillion while remaining stable compared to Q1 2024’s ₦21.58 trillion.”

    Adeniyi said smuggling of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol was still thriving because of the cheapness of the product in Nigeria compared to other countries.

  • Customs intercepts N25.9m worth of petrol smuggled along Niger border

    Customs intercepts N25.9m worth of petrol smuggled along Niger border

    The Nigeria Customs Service has seized 500 jerry cans (25 litres each) and two drums of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at various smuggling hotspots along the Babana border axis in Niger State.

    The seizure, valued at over ₦25.9 million in duty-paid terms, was announced during a press briefing on Wednesday at the Nigeria Customs Niger-Kogi Command headquarters in Minna.

    According to the Customs, the smuggled fuel was discovered concealed in vehicles and containers along several notorious routes, including Kabe-Tunga-Madugu Road, Kabe-Kibera Road, Dekara-Gedang-Zana Road, and Babana-Gwarizo Road.

    Speaking at the briefing, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, who also doubles as the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind—a special task force against PMS smuggling—warned that petrol smuggling poses serious threats to national security and the economy.

    “Smuggling petroleum products out of Nigeria undermines government efforts, fuels insecurity, and constitutes a major form of economic sabotage,” Ejibunu said.

    “Smuggling of PMS is detrimental to the survival of Nigeria. It has economic and security disadvantages as well. It will interest you to note that most of those bandits attacking us, how do they get food, is through this means. And now it is prudence equally to believe and allow such a quantum of fuel to go outside Nigeria to go into their hands.

    “It means we are fueling our traducers, giving them more power and energy to come in to attack us. It is important to note that as Nigerians, it is our responsibility when you see something, you say something. Do not allow this to continue because a lot of people within Nigeria are looking for this product, and they may not even get it.”

    He noted that the seized fuel was being prepared for illegal export and stressed that the operation was made possible through intelligence sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and community support. “This is the first time such a large seizure is happening in Niger State, and it sends a clear message that we are serious about stopping this menace,” he added.

    Read Also: Kirikiri Customs’ Q1 imports revenue up 61%

    Ejibunu said that no suspect was arrested as the suspects ran away and left the smuggled products when they discovered that they were being pursued, “I would have loved a situation where someone is arrested and we bring him to justice. I want our officers to know that their job is incomplete if they do not bring in a suspect. Suspect is germane and critical towards establishing the ways and manner in which these smuggled products are being taken to and who is receiving them.”

    He attributed the continuous smuggling of PMS outside the country to greed, declaring that it is stealing and daylight robbery.

    “Our refineries are working now, but people still take out our fuel and sell it to people in other countries. Our PMS is for in-house consumption and not for export. Anyone who wants to export it should pass through the due process”, he said.

    He disclosed that the operation also received support from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), which provided technical and regulatory guidance.

    In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller of the Niger-Kogi Command, Pascal Chibuoke, highlighted the dedication of officers on the ground and appealed for more operational support, such as patrol vehicles and communication tools, especially with the increasing presence of terrorist groups around Babana.

    “This seizure demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies and communities work together. With continued support and proper logistics, we can reduce this problem to the barest minimum,” he said.

    The seized PMS was announced for public auction as the National Coordinator of Operation Wild Wind Nationwide declared that it would be sold at N10,000 per jerry can.