Connect with us

Maritime

SMUGGLING: Customs, Joint Task-force seals up land borders

Published

on

Apapa Customs Command Nets N86B Revenue in October

…As Illicit traders takes over Nigerian waters, for full scale smuggling***

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) with the backup of the Joint Security Task force flagged off, few days back, may have successfully achieved a water-tight, anti- smuggling land border closure, forcing smugglers to take to sea, where they know the Service has only hired wooden canoes to challenge their faster moving boats.

Investigation showed that whereas rice smuggling through the land borders have been effectively reduced, forcing market price of rice to surge, from N14,000 or N15,000 to its present N16,000 per bag.

Consequently, the idea of smuggling through water had never been so enticing or lucrative, as the smugglers understand that the only force to contend with was the Nigerian Navy, whose primary and secondary concerns were targeted at crude theft prevention and seizure of adulterated diesels, instead of rice smuggling.

Also read:  WASTING ASSETS: A ray of hope for ‘Customs Pride’, ‘Group of Nine’ vessels

 The result was therefore, when Navy Cpt. Toritseju Vincent highlighted on a Thursday, two weeks ago that the Navy in Ibaka, handed over 502 bags of smuggled rice it intercepted, to the Nigeria Customs Service, very little reaction was elicited. The Navy Director of Information, Commodore Suleman Dahun further corroborated this, highlighting that the Nigerian Navy also arrested nine suspects, while seizing the 502 bags of foreign rice on Parrot Island waterways and Mbo River in Akwa Ibom.

It would be recalled that the Navy Capt. had equally mentioned that the team some days earlier, precisely on August 12, also intercepted 370 bags of smuggled rice, too. The rice, obviously, were being smuggled from Cameroon into Nigeria.

“An arrest was made on Monday, Aug. 12, 2019 of these five suspects, with a large wooden boat conveying 370 bags of rice.

An industry watcher, Tony Emeordi praised the Customs efforts at checkmating smuggling on land, even as he noted that the Service had seemingly abandoned the waters to the smugglers.

“It is like the Customs and the smugglers have achieved an unwritten MoU, which guarantees the smugglers use of waters, while  the Service operatives effectively seal up the land border areas”, Emeordi  said, pointing out that the war against smuggling may however never be won with such MoU.

 

Latest News

APAPA CUSTOMS: Olomu Records N1.875trn Within 10 Months, Delivers ₦264,45Bn In October 

Published

on

APAPA CUSTOMS: Olomu Records N1.875trn Within 9 Months, Delivers ₦264,45Bn In October 

…Says he cancelled discretional pragmatism, as directed by the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Port Command, between January and October 2024 achieved a stupendous revenue profile of N1.875 trillion.

The Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu who disclosed the historical figures also stated that out of the ₦1,875,362,369,214.4, the Command posted a total collection of ₦264,455,587,792.56 billion, solely from October 2024.

It is gratifying to note that not only has October gross-in become the Command’s highest monthly collection, but it is also symbolic that until Olomu assumed office, the Command’s revenue generation was nothing, extraordinary.

It was, therefore, not surprising, that Comptroller Babatunde Olomu last weekend, bagged an award of excellence, for his meticulous approach and stupendous revenue-generating style.

The Award which was championed by a media concern was in collaboration with the Abuja High Command.

Speaking on Monday, Comptroller Olomu reminded all port users that the Apapa Customs Command under his watch does not exercise discretionary pragmatism, as he stressed that every consignment passing through the NCS, Apapa Port Command, is being subjected to thorough examination, involving both scanners and physical means when necessary.

Subsequently, he handed over six containers which ran foul of false declaration, as their contents consisted of fake pharmaceuticals and other controlled products, to the National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Also Read: 

Providing a breakdown, Comptroller Olomu also expressed optimism that the Apapa Customs Command would meet and surpass its annual revenue target of ₦2.2 trillion before the year winds down,”.

“From January-October 2024, we generated a total of ₦1,875,362,369,214.4 trillion, higher than the ₦931,123,998,213.88 billion generated in the corresponding period in the year 2023, showing a 101 per cent increase over last year’s revenue figure.

“It is instructive to state that our October 2024 collection is ₦264,455,587,792.56 billion. This is the highest monthly collection in the history of this command.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the Command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay”

“Therefore, we are hopeful of meeting and even surpassing our target of ₦2.2 trillion as the year winds down,” Comptroller Olomu said, highlighting that the unprecedented revenue figures were achieved, despite the observable significant decline in the nation’s volume of trade.

He pointed out that the Command blocked revenue leakages, while purposefully working at attaining optimal revenue generation, monthly.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the Command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay”, stated the CAC, as he beamed his attention on the sphere of trade facilitation, where he mentioned that the Command was already working to migrate from the old system to a new system while maximizing the benefits of what it has presently.

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the CAC Apapa Port Customs Command

Olomu said the gesture was in line with the drive by the NCS Management towards a paperless, modern system.

He posted that the Apapa Port Command has keyed into trade facilitation tools like AEO and Advanced Ruling to ensure seamless movement of both import and export cargoes.

The CAC, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu hands over the documents of the seized contrabands to officials of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA during the Monday media briefing.

It was in adherence to the instruction of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi.

“This handover further underscores the robust inter-agency collaboration between the NCS and sister government agencies in the port.
“It further demonstrates our ability to prevent illicit importation from entering the Nigerian market through the port.

“As a Service, we owe Nigerians the duty of preventing the import and export of cargo that could undermine their well-being and security.

“These medical importations have expired, while others are not evaluated by NAFDAC and could cause damages to Nigerians if consumed.

“The content of these containers contravened the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Section 233 of the NCS Act 2023. Some of the contents are unapproved dosages of tramadol, cough syrup with codeine, injections and more”, Olomu said

“We also have an intra-government working system where all government agencies work together as a team without compromising the mandates of our respective agencies.

“Equally, we have a wider customs-stakeholder forum where only issues about customs alone are looked into and addressed as and when due.

“This is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC”

“It is noteworthy to state that just last week, the command facilitated the first shipment of cargo to Kenya under the AfCFTA regime,” he added.

Speaking on its anti-smuggling efforts, Olomu said the Command made well over 36 seizures of various items ranging from used clothing, frozen poultry products, tramadol, unregistered pharmaceutical products and other controlled substances valued at over ₦1.5 billion.

He stressed that stakeholder’s compliance, under his watch, has increased “and this is a testament to the very regular interactions we have established as directed by the CGC.

“I want to specially thank all sister government agencies and our strategic private sector partners for being part of the success we are celebrating today. Their contributions have been invaluable and the impacts are evident in our scorecard.

“I hereby invite you to see the seizures as we formally hand over to NAFDAC and NDLEA. These seizures should serve as a deterrent to those involved in any form of illegality and an encouragement for lawful and compliant traders.”

“We shall continue to detect false declarations, concealment, undervaluation and other unethical practices aimed at evading duties, short-changing the government and exposing citizens to unsafe products,” he assured.

Continue Reading

Latest News

CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Partnership Between Customs, NAGAFF

Published

on

CGC Adeniyi Reaffirms Commitment To Strengthening Partnership Between Customs, NAGAFF

…Lauds NAGAFF’s resilience and dedication,  to exploring areas of mutual interest

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service NCS and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders NAGAFF. 

The CGC stated this while receiving a visiting delegation of the association, expressing deep enthusiasm and appreciation for their visit, as well as the body’s commitment to enhancing the industry to overcome its challenges.

Addressing the delegation on Tuesday, 29 October 2024, at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller General praised NAGAFF’s resilience and dedication, particularly to exploring areas of mutual interest, identifying potential opportunities for collaboration, and emphasising the importance of their ongoing engagements in fostering effective partnerships.

“These are all possibilities, and we will be willing to work with you”, Adeniyi told the delegation led by the association’s National President, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi.

He provided the body with an update on the Nigeria Customs Service’s transformative initiatives towards enhancing trade facilitation, border security, and technology integration.

 He also highlighted several projects currently being pursued to improve operational efficiency.

The Comptroller-General confirmed his intention to attend NAGAFF’s upcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary to recognise a significant role as a key stakeholder in Customs operations and policy implementation.

Earlier, NAGAFF’s National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, congratulated CGC Adeniyi and his team for their contributions to national economic growth and security. 

 “Your remarkable achievements since assuming office cannot be overstated”, Chief Esizi said, assuring the CGC of NAGAFF’s active participation in the forthcoming CGC Conference, including unveiling the association’s newly acquired N500 million Secretariat.

Regarding the upcoming Silver Jubilee Anniversary, Ezisi highlighted NAGAFF’s longstanding partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service, which has spanned 25 years and formally invited CGC Adeniyi to attend the event.

The NAGAFF delegation included Chief Afam Chukwuma, Deputy National President (Seaport) and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Silver Jubilee; Igwe Kingsley, National Secretary; Princess Chi Eze, National Vice President (Western Port); and Melody Obehi, National Treasurer, among others.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Customs Boosts AfCFTA, Facilitates First Shipment from Nigeria to Kenya

Published

on

Customs Boosts AfCFTA, Facilitates First Shipment from Nigeria to Kenya

…Olutayo commends Customs for truly working for genuine success of Nigeria’s participation 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) gave the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) meaning on Wednesday as it facilitated Nigeria’s first shipment to Kenya. Lucky Fibres, a subsidiary of the Tolaram Group, emerged as one of the first companies to ship goods to Kenya. 

Olusegun Olutayo, Senior Trade Expert and Lead of Trade Enablement at the Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office indicated this Wednesday, 30 October 2024, during a visit to the Apapa Area Command, towards ensuring proper documentation and verification of the shipment, noting that the shipment from Nigeria to Kenya, specifically to the port of Mombasa, demonstrates the collaborative spirit of AfCFTA.

“It is not that we are doing it alone; I have already sent a message to the Secretariat in Ghana that there will be a shipment under AfCFTA to Kenya. I have also communicated with the AfCFTA implementation committee in Kenya. So this is the spirit we are building to ensure that we increase intra-African trade,” Olutayo noted.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has been fantastic; they are ready to facilitate trade. Once they hear that there is an issue, particularly around AfCFTA, you will see everybody ready to support”

He emphasised the critical role of the service as the Designated Competent Authority (DCA) under AfCFTA, leveraging its expertise to ensure seamless trade.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has been fantastic; they are ready to facilitate trade. Once they hear that there is an issue, particularly around AfCFTA, you will see everybody ready to support and facilitate it, which is the essence of true trade facilitation.”

Assistant Comptroller Olusola Salako, the releasing officer for Lilypond Export Command at Apapa Area Command, highlighted the Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts to leverage technology to ensure that AfCFTA is successful in Africa.

“The service has aligned with the mandates of the World Customs Organisation to prioritise the importance of trade. Gone are the days when we experienced issues. Today, we have a Unified Customs Management System (UCMS). With trade becoming more global, we went back to the drawing board and improved our technology, which will help us facilitate trade.

“The service is already in top gear; officers have been trained, and we have dedicated officers, senior officers, and releasing officers for this particular export procedure—not limited to AfCFTA alone—and we also have dedicated ports,” Salako concluded.

Continue Reading

Editor’s Pick

Politics