The Nation Newspaper

Tag: customs

  • Customs generates N9.7 billion in Kano, Jigawa

    Customs generates N9.7 billion in Kano, Jigawa

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano Area Command, yesterday said it has generated about N9.7 billion in between January and February.

    The huge revenue was gotten from Duty Paid Value (DPV) on imports and excise, the agency said.

    The Area Comptroller in charge of Kano and Jigawa states, Dauda Chana, who spoke with reporters in Kano disclosed that the command has put in place measures to prevent revenue leakages through the border posts in the area by reinforcing security and surveillance to curtail smuggling of contraband goods.

    Dauda Chana said the command would sustain 100 per cent physical examination of goods entering through its borders to prevent entry of contraband and offensive goods including arms and ammunition.

    Read Also: Dangote names Lagos refinery road after Wigwe

    The comptroller said that the area command had issued an effective operational order to its field officers at the border posts on how to tackle the menace of smuggling.

    ”We will continue to enhance trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security in line with the directives of the management of the NCS.

    ”We are also partnering with traditional rulers in border communities to assist our personnel with reliable information on movement of smugglers”, he said.

  • Customs to train personnel in curbing illegal trade

    Customs to train personnel in curbing illegal trade

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said yesterday that it has concluded arrangements to train its officers and men on measures and strategies to curb illegal trade and trafficking in wild llife in the country.

    Commandant of Nigeria Customs Training College , Ikeja, Comptroller Haniel Hadison ,  who disclosed  this said the  new move is part of efforts by the Service to extend capacity building in the area to its personnel.

    To drive this, he said a team of international partners, including the United States, have promised assistance, particularly in training and technology to boost the facilities on ground at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.

    Read Also: Oronsaye report: Labour cautions Fed Govt against job loss

    Leading the partners in an on-the-spot assessment of the facilities Hadison, said the facility was ready to embrace cooperation that will push expertise to  make it a focal point in capacity building.

  • Apapa Customs makes N16b daily

    Apapa Customs makes N16b daily

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Command said yesterday that it generated N16,021,660,412 revenue.

    This figure is the highest daily revenue collection in the history of the command surpassing N11.3billion collected on November 22, last year, and N10 billion on August 3, 2023.

    Its Area Controller, Babajide Jaiyeoba, described the feat as one of the expected fallouts of the many strategies he had put in place and urged officers and men of the command to keep up the tempo of zero tolerance for infractions and non-compromise for any violation of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.

    This, he said, is laudable revenue collection in the face of declined volume of trade and that it was achieved as a result of weekly strategy meetings between the CAC and sectional heads to review and evaluate success and challenges to continually improving on the command’s achievements.

    Findings have shown that there have been regular stakeholder engagements between the command, sister government agencies, importers, exporters, terminal operators, and others involved in the cargo clearance and supply chain to meet the target.

    Stakeholders said there has been a remarkable improvement in the number of containers being scanned at the command to save time and operate in line with the expectations of modern Customs administration.

    Read Also: Economy will get better, Tinubu assures Nigerians

    While commending the officers of the command for their dedication to duty exemplified through punctuality and integrity, Jaiyeoba urged importers, licensed customs agents and freight forwarders to embrace scanning the more as the NCS under CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR is committed to maximum deployment of ICT for trade facilitation.

    He described sincere declaration as a mark of integrity that saves time and money, resulting in a win-win situation for everyone.

    According to him, not making a sincere declaration is a poor business decision capable of causing delays, leading to issuance of demand notices and denying the declarant of the benefits of enjoying fast track and possible migration to Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.

  • Customs suspends sale of seized food items over stampede

    Customs suspends sale of seized food items over stampede

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended the sale of seized food items after a stampede claimed lives at NCS Old Zonal Headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State last Friday.

    A spokesperson for the Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, announced this in a statement on Monday.

    The Customs on February 20, 2024 said it would sell seized food items to cushion the hardship and cost of living in the country at a discounted rate.

    The Customs disposed food items at its Yaba office last Friday in the presence of other security agencies.

    “The disposal of the food items got off to a smooth start at about 0800hrs.

    Read Also: 10 visa-free countries for Nigerian tourists

    “We enjoyed the cooperation of the large crowd that obliged us, giving preferences to the elderly, people living with disabilities, pregnant women, and other vulnerable Nigerians who showed up for the exercise. This was the case up until about 1700hrs, as attested to by the over 5000 beneficiaries and members of the press.

    “However, unforeseen challenges arose when we ran out of stock and announced the continuation of the exercise the following day, leading to a regrettable outcome.

    “The crowd became desperate and charged through our barricades in search of rice bags inside emptied containers. In the stampede that ensued, some fatalities and injuries were regrettably recorded.

    “Considering the recent unfortunate event, we regrettably announce the suspension of this exercise until we establish what transpired on Friday, 23 February 2024.

    “This should help us to properly articulate more robust and comprehensive action that will not defeat the noble intention,” the Service announced.

  • Customs tackles ‘stubborn’ smugglers, seizes petrol, other contrabands in Adamawa, Taraba

    Customs tackles ‘stubborn’ smugglers, seizes petrol, other contrabands in Adamawa, Taraba

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says in the process of tackling financially well heeled and desperate smugglers, it has in 15 instances within the past month seized different contraband items with cumulative duty paid value of N13, 352,100.

    The seized items include 16,675 litres of petrol packed in 643×25L Jerry cans and three × 200L drums; 20×50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice; and one used V/Wagon Golf with a big reconstructed fuel tank, according to the Adamawa/Taraba Area Controller of the NCS, Salisu Abdullahi.

    The NCS area controller who addressed newsmen at the area command heaquarters in Yola, said smuggling of fuel products from Nigeria to neigbouring countries has persisted despite fuel subsidy removal.

    Read Also: Food crisis: Lagos, Ogun, Customs unveil palliatives

    “This is as a result of high fuel demand and high prices in neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Togo, and Benin Republic,” he explained.

    Expressing the concern that fuel smuggling syndicates are stubborn, have extensive resources and make much money from smuggling out the product and seek therefore to maintain the illicit business at all costs, the Customs area controller assured of matching resolve to curb smuggling.

    He ssid, “We want to unequivocally tell the smugglers that the more they change tactics, the more we change our own and the truth will always prevail over falsehood.”

  • Food scarcity: Customs set to distribute rice, other food items

    Food scarcity: Customs set to distribute rice, other food items

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it had concluded arrangements to share seized food items among Nigerians.

    The measure, NCS Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi said, is part of the agency’s commitment to implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda and mitigate the soaring prices of staples across the country.

    In a statement by its National Public Relations Officer (PRO), Abdullahi Maiwada, the NCS said the modalities for the disposal of the hygienic food items would be communicated through the agency’s formations nationwide.

    The statement said the serve was committed to public health, transparency, and fairness.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Customs unveils plan to distribute confiscated food items nationwide

    It said: “In response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirms his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda.”

    The commitment, the statement said, “is deeply rooted in the NCS’s core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerians, thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity”.

    In line with the vision, he said the service, “has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains. This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens”.

    It added: “It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.”

  • BREAKING: Customs unveils plan to distribute confiscated food items nationwide

    BREAKING: Customs unveils plan to distribute confiscated food items nationwide

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its readiness to distribute confiscated food products to alleviate the current hardships faced by Nigerians. 

    The NCS clarified that the distribution will occur after each food item undergoes certification to ensure its suitability for human consumption.

    Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed plans on Tuesday for the agency to donate confiscated food items to Nigerians in response to the serious problems of food security and the skyrocketing prices of basic food items in the country.

    In a statement released on Tuesday, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada, the service’s national public relations representative, stated that the Comptroller General is reiterating his commitment to furthering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda with this move.

    He claims that the dedication is firmly ingrained in the Service’s primary mission to serve the Nigerian people’s best interests, consequently promoting stability and prosperity in the country’s economy.

    He said: “Furthermore, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government. These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations.

    “The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety. It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

    “The NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians. With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation.” 

  • Export of unlawful food: Customs launches anti-smuggling operation

    Export of unlawful food: Customs launches anti-smuggling operation

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched an anti-smuggling operation to stop the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for selfish benefits.

    The national public relations officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada made this known in a press statement on Tuesday, February 20.

    He said: “In line with this vision, the service has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains.”

    Read Also: Insecurity: FG reaffirms ban on military camouflage by Police, Customs, and others

    According to the statement, this urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.

    The statement further noted that to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the federal government.

    NCS added: “These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our areas of operations.”

    The spokesman said the modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety.

    The service pledged that the exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need.

     The NCS said the National Public Relations Officer, remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic well-being of all Nigerians.

    He said: “With the unwavering support and cooperation of the public, we will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation.”

  • NCS intercepts four trucks of food items in Kano

    NCS intercepts four trucks of food items in Kano

     The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano Area Command, says it has intercepted four trucks of food items as part of efforts to tackle smuggling.

    This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of the Service, Saidu Nuradeen, on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said that personnel of the Service intercepted the vehicles transporting a significant quantity of food items intended for illegal export along Hadejia – Taura – Ringim axis in Jigawa.

    Nuradeen listed the items to include 1,505 cartons of big and small size dried fish, 17 bags of local variety rice and two bags of beans.

    According to him, the seizure underscores the relentless effort of the Service to enforce the border closure policy aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensure food security.

    “Smuggling undermines legitimate trade channels, poses risks to public health and deprives the government of much needed revenue.

    Read Also: NCS commits to ending petroleum products smuggling in 2024

    “The NCS reiterates its unwavering commitment to combat smuggling activities across all entry points into the country.

    While urging members of the public to provide credible information to enable it to stem smuggling, Nuradeen reitrated commitments to curb illicit activities to protect local industries and enhance food security.

    Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, IQ Ibudu

    urged the the Maigatari border community to be vigilant and abide by the land border closure in line with the ECOWAS directives.

    She said that the government adopted proactive measures to address social and economic challenges bedevilling the country.

    Also, the Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dauda Ibrahim Chana, enjoined border communities to cooperate with the Service and other security agencies to safeguard border posts.

    He assured them that the Service was committed to address their needs, especially in terms of community relations.

    (NAN)

  • No fraud in e-auction, says Customs

    No fraud in e-auction, says Customs

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has denied allegation that the e-auction adopted to clear seized and overtime cargo at ports was being fraudulently manipulated.

    A petition against the Customs Auction Committee had alleged that over 300 cars were auctioned to one individual.

    The spokesman of NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Saturday insisted that the e-auction remained transparent.

    Maiwada said: “It is disheartening to note the serious allegations regarding the integrity of the ongoing e-auction process designed to provide a level playing ground for all Nigerians.

    “The NCS is a law-abiding government organization dedicated to maintaining the most outstanding levels of accountability and transparency in all its activities and taking any accusations of improper behaviour seriously.

    “We wish to categorically deny involvement in fraudulent activities or underhand dealings in the e-auctioning of vehicles or other goods. The NCS Auction Committee operates within the confines of the law and adheres strictly to established guidelines and procedures for disposing of seized/overtime goods.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Senate passes N5.079trn 2024 Customs budget

    “Regarding the allegation that over 300 vehicles have been auctioned to just one individual via the e-auction window after purported underhand payments, we wish to state that this is entirely false, misguided, and spurious.

    “Furthermore, suggesting that a token sum of N10,000 is collected as duties to the Federal Government on the e-auction window, which has a reserved price of N400, 000 is indeed misleading and misrepresentation of fact.

    “From the data generated upon completing five successful bidding windows, 13,605 applicants registered in five windows on our e-auction portal, where 476 vehicles were uploaded, and 462 won. Also, the government realized N556,738,736 as revenue. It begs the question of where the allegations are coming from.

    “We wish to reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in all our activities. We urge members of the public to join the service with the common goal of promoting an inclusive system that is fair to all Nigerians, irrespective of their status.”