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Tag: customs

  • Customs intercepts N11b illicit drugs at Onne Port

    Customs intercepts N11b illicit drugs at Onne Port

    •Generated over N360 billion in six months

    Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has impounded seven containers leaden with outlawed codeine syrup (hard drugs) valued at N11 billion at Area 2 Command of the NCS, Onne Port in Rivers State.

    The parastatal also said it has generated over N350 billion revenue in the first half of the year.

    Customs Area Controller, Area 2 Command, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede broke the news to reporters at his Onne office yesterday.

    Babandede said the seizure was made in collaboration with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other sister agencies.

    He said: “In line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust of collaboration and consolidation, the Command on receipt of credible intelligence on some 40-foot containers sprang into action and, in collaboration with the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Onne Port, these containers were identified, positioned and jointly examined.

    “A total of seven seized containers containing 1,054, 400 bottles of different cough syrup codeine (100ml), 9,100 pieces of Chilly Cutter, 3,175,000 tablets of Hyergra tablets (200mg) and 1,300,000 tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac Pain Relief tablets (50mg) were seized.

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    “The above seizures are estimated at N11. 2 billion, which represents a huge loss on the part of those involved despite the fact of a jail term that awaits any of them who will be arrested as a result of further investigation.”

    The Comptroller expressed worry about the activities of drug barons, who he said, are bent on frustrating the country, but vowed that the Command would not tolerate any action that  compromised the economy and security of the nation.

    He said the seized items and the culprits would be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation.

    “You are aware that on the first of this month, the Controller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, was in the Command and he addressed members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm on recent significant developments in our operations to secure our nation’s borders and ensure public safety.

    “Despite his warming on that day, it is unfortunate that some saboteurs have continued to engage in the unpatriotic act of undermining the importation processes, guidelines and procedures.

    “Notwithstanding, in the face of the challenging security situation in the country the Area 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has continue to step up its security function in the area of policing our Sea Port in such a way that those who do not wish our nation well will not have their way.” he said.

    Speaking on the area of revenue generation, the Controller said: “In the area of revenue, the Command in the first half of the year generated over N312 billion which translates to 50.5 per cent of the annual target given to the Command.

    “As of this morning, the Command has generated over N48 billion in the month of July and we still have five working days left in the month.”

    He assured that the Command would increase their revenue profile and protect public health and safety.

  • Customs seizes 41,425 litres of petrol, nine cars illegally fitted with tanks

    Customs seizes 41,425 litres of petrol, nine cars illegally fitted with tanks

    The Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized a total of 41,425 litres of petrol loaded in Jerry cans and drums from dealers suspected to be smuggling petrol across the Adamawa State borderlines with the Republic of Cameroon.

    The special operation unit similarly confiscated nine cars of various brands illegally fitted with tanks and allegedly used to load fuel from around Adamawa State to Cameroon.

    The national coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Yola, saying the seizures were made between when the NCS Comptroller General announced the first set of seizures earlier in May this year and now.

    Giving the latest seizures during the news briefing at the Adamawa/Taraba Zonal headquarters of the NCS in Yola, Ejibunu said: “Today, we have another seizure of 1,481 kegs (Jerry cans) and 20 drums, containing 25 litres each and 220 each litres respectively, which translate into 41,425 litres of PMS (petrol)”

    Read Also: Customs boss Adeniyi reactivates partnership with US customs, border protection

    He said the containers of petrol were seized with nine means of conveyers, being different brands of cars fitted with petrol-carrying tankers hidden by thickly tinted windscreens.

    He explained that the seizures were of the cumulative duty value of N48,547,500.

    “These interceptions were made on different dates and locations across Mubi-Sahuda road, Girei-Wuro Boki axis, Maiha road, Angwan Tana-Bajin Kogi axis, and other places,” he said.

  • Customs boss Adeniyi reactivates partnership with US customs, border protection

    Customs boss Adeniyi reactivates partnership with US customs, border protection

    …aims to promote better service delivery to Nigerians through global partnerships

    The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, On Thursday, July 18, took a significant step in strengthening global partnerships by participating in a bilateral meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Washington, D.C. 

    The meeting focused on reviving the over-decade-old Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) to enhance service delivery through global collaborations and data-driven decision-making to improve national security and effectively combat cross-border crimes.

    Adeniyi emphasised that Customs officials have been actively addressing the challenges of cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering while ensuring national security.

    He highlighted the successful interception of illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, at major ports and airports in Nigeria.

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    “Reviving the CMAA will bolster the Nigeria Customs Service’s capacity to protect the nation’s borders and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for all Nigerians”, he added.

    He also stressed the need for increased capacity building to tackle Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement and opiate issues. 

    “Our efforts at the ports and airports have yielded significant results, but there is still much to be done in capacity building and enforcement,” he said.

    Adeniyi underscored the importance of the Center for Advanced Cargo and Passenger Data Analysis to mitigate risks. 

    He pointed out the success of prosecuting wildlife criminals and discussed the need for such a centre to enhance cargo and passenger security.

    Additionally, he advocates for an advanced command and control centre to address security concerns. 

    “A dedicated targeting data fusion centre will significantly improve our ability to manage risks and enhance security measures,” Adeniyi explained.

    The meeting also covered the challenges of commercial air cargo security and potential partnerships with U.S. government agencies. 

    Adeniyi highlighted the importance of future operations, including CBP’s global targeting advisory directors and their capabilities in information sharing on cargo and passenger sides. 

    “By customising our approaches and collaborating globally, we can address the complexities of air cargo security more effectively,” he remarked.

    In his reaction, James Collins, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of International Affairs at U.S. Customs and Border Protection, emphasised data integration, partnerships, and targeted efforts to address transnational criminal groups exploiting seams and boundaries. 

    “Integration of data and international cooperation is crucial in countering transnational threats”, he said. 

    James Collins also highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing in border security and intelligence gathering. 

    He emphasised investing in capacity building, train-the-trainer programs, and targeted training to address gaps in border security. 

    Collins stressed the need for secure channels for sharing intelligence and building partnerships with international organisations to sustain efforts in combating illicit trade and traffic.

     “Continous training and secure intelligence sharing are vital to our success in maintaining border security,” Collins noted.

    Key action items identified include establishing specific channels for continued intelligence sharing between Nigeria Customs and CBP, exploring operational partnerships between Nigeria Customs units and networks like CBP to coordinate cross-border responses, leveraging INTERPOL programs and collaborating with other West and Central African countries on transnational crimes.

    The meeting concluded with a presentation on Artificial Intelligence by Sunil Madhugri from the Office of Information and Technology, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, highlighting the future of technology in enhancing customs operations and security. 

    “Artificial intelligence will play a pivotal role in our strategy to modernise and secure our borders,” Madhugri said.

    In a related event, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi visited the Nigerian Embassy in the USA, where he was received by Mr. Rabiu Lawal, Charge d’Affaires a.i, and his team. 

    The CGC appreciated them for their warm reception and their tireless efforts for all the Nigerians in the diaspora.

  • Don’t use ‘tokunbo’ tyres, says Customs

    Don’t use ‘tokunbo’ tyres, says Customs

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun 1 Area Command has urged Nigerians to refrain from the use of second-hand tyres, popularly known as ‘tokunbo tyres’ to stem incessant cases of road crashes.

    The command’s Comptroller, Mr James Ojo, gave the advice while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Ota, Ogun State.

    Ojo explained that the use of such tyres was one of the factors contributing to road crashes.

    The comptroller advised the public to buy new tyres rather than used ones because they would last longer and safer on the highway.

    Ojo said though everyone understood the economic situation, he, however, stressed the need for people to do the right thing to avoid loss of lives.

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    “These pneumatic tyres, popularly known as Tokunbo tyres, are deemed unsuitable for our highways because a significant number of them have exceeded their recommended lifespan from their manufacturing dates.

    “In addition, any usage beyond this duration can pose a significant risk to motorists and put their lives in jeopardy,” he said.

    The comptroller reiterated NCS’ commitment to protect local economy and safety on the roads as well as uphold the integrity of the nation’s borders.

  • Customs seizes seven containers of cutlasses, expired drugs, others in Apapa

    Customs seizes seven containers of cutlasses, expired drugs, others in Apapa

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has intercepted seven containers of contraband including cutlasses, expired drugs, and some deadly frozen chicken at the port.

    Showcasing the contrabands at the Lagos Port complex (LPC) in Apapa yesterday, the Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, said the items were worth about N292.2 million.

    Olomu said: “On Thursday, 17 July 2024, the command seized 2x40ft containers carrying 12,000 pieces of cutlass and machete; 2x40ft carrying 4,129 packages of frozen chicken; 1x40ft container carrying 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing; and 1x40ft container of expired pharmaceutical,”

    Olomu said the cutlass and matchets were imported from China, the expired drugs from India, and the frozen chicken were from Turkiye.

    He added that the seizures were made following a combination of intelligence and diligent enforcement in ensuring that no consignment exits Apapa Port or any terminal under the command without undergoing proper examination.

    Read Also: Customs University to take off before 2027

    Olomu reiterated that the Apapa command would continually sustain and improve on trade facilitation and maximum revenue collection without compromising the enforcement of the extant laws as they pertain to a false declaration, concealment, under declaration, and undervaluation.

    “We are also enforcing the requirements for sister regulatory agencies like the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the case of food and drugs and strict implementation of the end user certificate rules for products that require it from relevant authorities like the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA),” he stated.

    Olomu said the seizures would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and regulatory action.

  • Customs University to take off before 2027

    Customs University to take off before 2027

    The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has said that the Nigeria Customs University, Badagry, Lagos State will come on stream before the end of the current administration. The committee assured it was ready to give the service every budgetary support to upgrade the Customs Command and Staff College to international standard.

    Chairman of the Committee, Leke Abejide, who spoke when he led members of the Committee on an oversight to Customs formations in the FCT also disclosed that the 11 storey corporate headquarters of the Service commissioned in 2023 by former President Buhari will soon be put into use.

    The Customs Command and Staff College located in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT is designated as a Customs regional training centre for West and Central Africa by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), but the management of the college which also serves as Training and Doctrine Command for the service said the facilities are not enough to meet up the requirement.

    Abejide said the House was prepared to assist the service in achieving their set target, adding that the new Customs Act passed by the 9th Assembly has strengthened the operations of the Customs, while promoting career progression in the service.

    He said with the new Customs Act, every officer in the service can now aspire to the position of Comptroller General as the law now make compulsory for the Head of the Service to be appointed from among career officers unlike it was in the past.

    He commended the efforts put into the construction and finishing of the headquarters of the Service, but said that some modifications still needed to be carried out on the facility before it is put into use.

    He said: “the level of work is impressive, especially on the last floor. The only area of concern we have is on the outer part where there are little corrections. I reached put to the Comptroller General and he told me that in the next three months, they will start using the facility”.

    Speaking on the FCT Command of the service in terms of revenue generation, Abejide said even though the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport which is the major operational area of the service in the FCT is mainly used by diplomats who are not expected to pay duties on their import, the service was able to generate about N6 billion so far.

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    He also commended the service for what he called correct corporate social responsibility in the area of service at the Customs Hospital, Karu which he described as the best paramilitary hospital in the country.

    He said “we should give kudos to Customs because they are doing very well. Even though I have not been to hospitals managed by other military and paramilitary agencies, I believe that they have the best hospital. In term of cost, they are doing what I called correct Corporate Social Responsibility because where they are supposed to collect N100,000 as fees, they collect N10, 000 and the hospital is so neat”.

    Receiving the Committee on behalf of the Comptroller General, the Deputy Comptroller General in charge of the Customs Training and Doctrine Command, DCG B. S Bomai appealed to the Committee to fast-track the process of establishing the Customs University to offer specialised training for officers and men of the service.

    Bomai said other Customs formations across the country have specialized universities for the training of their officers and other stakeholders within the Customs and Excise community.

    He also sought the support of the committee in completing the Customs hostel to facilitate accommodation for students within the college.

    Commandant of the Customs Command and Staff College, ACG Kingsley Egu said the college was established in 2011 by the former Comptroller General, Dikko Inde and patterned along side the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji.

    During the oversight visit, the Committee was informed that the Customs hanger has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a limited liability company, adding that it is making efforts to retrieve its revenue that went into the Treasury Single Account for its operation.

    The Committee was also informed that two organisations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres pay about $6,500 each to the service monthly for packing their aircrafts while Dornier Aviation pays N10 million annually for the same purpose.

  • Ogun Customs records N92m revenue in 3 months           

    Ogun Customs records N92m revenue in 3 months           

    Contraband with duty paid value of N770,666,237 have been intercepted by the operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, Idiroko,  between April and June 2024, the Controller of the command, Comptroller James Ojo said on Monday.

    According to Ojo, while speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, the command also collected N92,369,227 as revenue within the period under review.

    He said the amount represented about a 52.46% increase when compared to the N53,983,622.00 recorded in the same period in 2023.

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    Ojo noted that the command also surpassed the monthly revenue target of N34,122,666.90 in June 2024 by 77.86%.

    He said: ”Contrabands that were intercepted during the period under review included 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit,  2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

    ”Other interceptions include 2,947 cartons of frozen poultry products, 7,015 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 21 units of vehicles, 3 units of motorcycles, and 115 pairs of used shoes.

    He added: “In recent operations, we successfully intercepted 219 sacks and 1,725 parcels of cannabis sativa, 940 rounds of live ammunition, 44,466 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 2,227 pieces of pneumatic foreign-used tyres, and 64 bales and 222 sacks of used clothes.

  • Customs confiscates 85 drums, 795 cans conveying 36,875 litres of petrol to Cameroon

    Customs confiscates 85 drums, 795 cans conveying 36,875 litres of petrol to Cameroon

    …seizes car fitted with petrol smuggling tank

    The Adamawa/Taraba Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized 85 200-litre drums of petrol being illegally conveyed to the Republic of Cameroon.

    The command also seized 795 25-litre jerry cans of the same product found concealed on a bush path at the Sahuda section of the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

    The Customs Area controller of the Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Comptroller Garba Bashir who called a news briefing Friday at the area command headquarters of the NCS in Yola, disclosed that a Carina E with a hidden compartment loaded with petrol was intercepted along the Girei-Wuro Boki axis of Adamawa State.

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    According to him, the foregoing seizures were made from the 29th of last month to date.

    He added that within the past six weeks in all, the Area Command has recorded 17 cases of seizure of various items with an aggregate duty value of N36.9 million.

    The customs area controller explained that smuggling of petrol out of Nigeria thrives because of high demand in the neighbouring countries.

    “In spite of the PMS subsidy repeal, smuggling from Nigeria into the neighbouring countries flourishes. This is due to strong fuel demand and steeper prices in adjacent countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Benin Republic,” he said.

    He vowed however that his command has been strengthening its capabilities and carrying out operations to counter every move of smugglers, adding, “We will continue until we bring smuggling down completely.”

  • Customs auctions 25,162 litres of PMS

    Customs auctions 25,162 litres of PMS

    The Nigerian Customs Service yesterday auctioned 25,162 litres of  Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at N180 per litre.

    The Area Controller, Comptroller Kamal Muhammed, said at the Area Command headquarters in Sokoto that he would sustain their task of resisting smugglers of petroleum products in the Sokoto/Zamfara Area command.

    He maintained: “Nigeria Customs Service will run you out of your illegitimate business.”

    It will be recalled that the Area Command auctioned 11,270litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)  intercepted by operatives of Operation Whirlwind.

    The command observed the smugglers have continued to create artificial scarcity in some parts of the country and brought about additional burden on the country’s scarce foreign exchange used to import the product.

    “If they continue unabated with the illegitimate activities, the service is equal to the task of making them uncomfortable within the Area of its jurisdiction,” he said.

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    Muhammed said the breakthrough on the seizures within the period I dear review was sequel to intensified clamp down on smugglers of the product.

    “This has led to the seizure of 55,164litres of PMS with a duty paid value (DPV) of N38,669,964 within the period under review.

    “All seized petroleum products were coordinated by the intelligence driven tactical team code named Operation Whirlwind, which made a seizure of 28,116litres while the Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command patrol teams made a seizure of 23,030litres of PMS,” he explained.

    The Area Controller, however, noted that even with the subsidy removal, Nigeria still remains among the list of countries with the cheapest PMS.

    “PMS is sold at an average of N701.99 per litre in the country while in Cameroon it is sold at N2,061.55, Mali is N2,128.20 and N1,672.05 in the Republic of Benin,” he said.

  • Customs generates N2.7tr in six months

    Customs generates N2.7tr in six months

    Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it generated N2.7 trillion in six months.

    It is an increase of about N200 billion over its projected revenue for the period.

    Its revenue target for the 2024 financial year is N5. 06 trillion.

    Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of trade and tariffs, C.K. Niagwan, said the revenue was generated as of July 10.

    She said the target for the period was N2.53 trillion.

    According to her, daily revenue collection by the service increased by about 44 per cent.

    Briefing the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise during an oversight visit, she attributed the successes to the blockage of leakages.

    Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said it was wrong for customs officers to raid markets in search of smuggled goods.

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    “Let me issue a disclaimer. I did not authorise any Customs Officer to go to any market. We are not supposed to go to any market or operate in the market.

    “But the market is not supposed to provide a sanctuary for smuggled goods.

    “If we have information that there are smuggled goods in an area, the law allows us to go there.

    “We want to keep the peace, that is why we don’t raid markets, but we also want market people to display some level of responsibility,” Adeniyi said.