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  • NCS hands over 659 units of illicit drugs worth N18m to NDLEA in Cross River

    NCS hands over 659 units of illicit drugs worth N18m to NDLEA in Cross River

    The Cross River/Calabar Free Trade Zone and Akwa Ibom Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over 659 units of illicit drugs, valued at N18 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State.

    The controlled substances were intercepted by vigilant NCS officers at the Mfum border. The items include: Pethidine 100mg – 216 units, Morphine Sulphate – 216 units, Phenobarbital – 37 packets, Sodium Sterop – 37 units, Fentanyl 50mg – 108 units, Midazolam Mylan – 33 units and Sodium Injectables – 26 units.

    The official handover took place on Tuesday at the Command’s headquarters in Calabar, the state capital.

    Speaking during the event, Comptroller Gabriel Ogbonna, the Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, emphasized that the exercise was conducted in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both agencies. He noted that the collaboration is a model for younger officers to emulate.

    “On behalf of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, I officially hand over these items to the NDLEA. This action is in accordance with the MoU between our agencies,” Ogbonna stated.

    “Today’s event stands as a testament to the importance of cooperation and mutual support between sister agencies. The synergy between the NCS and NDLEA has resulted in this significant interception, which ultimately supports national security and development,” he added.

    In her remarks, Commander Rachael Umebuali, Head of the NDLEA in Cross River State, commended the NCS for its commitment to inter-agency collaboration. She stressed that such partnerships enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery to Nigerians.

    “We deeply appreciate this gesture and the sustained cooperation from the Customs Service. This synergy strengthens our ability to combat the trafficking and abuse of controlled substances, and it significantly boosts our operational success,” Umebuali said.

  • How 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak

    How 12 inmates escape in Kogi jailbreak

    Twelve inmates escaped in a jailbreak in the early hours of yesterday, at the Medium prison in Koton Karfe, Kogi State.

    The state government confirmed this in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has said it has recaptured five of 12 inmates, who escaped from lawful custody, during yesterday’s jailbreak.

    It has also ordered an immediate probe into the jailbreak.

    Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Babatunde Alao, yesterday, described the incident as unfortunate.

    Fanwo, who commended the swift response of security agencies to the jailbreak, praised the swift response of security agencies and described the escape as ‘unfortunate’, assuring citizens that the state government was taking decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.

    According to him, the Kogi State government vowed to work with security agencies to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    “The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

    “This calls for a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the escape, arrest of the fleeing inmates and identify possible saboteurs within the system,” Fanwo said.

    Fanwo added that Governor Ahmed Ododo has directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure such security breaches do not happen again.

    “There is no cause for panic. We encourage citizens to go about their daily activities as normal, knowing that the security of lives and property remains our top priority,” he added.

    5 fleeing inmates recaptured

    Spokesman of the Prison, Abubakar Umar in a statement said during the unfortunate incident, some inmates in a section of the facility manipulated the padlocks, leading to the escape of 12 inmates.

    “Upon receiving reports of the attack, the acting Controller General of Prisons, Sylvester Nwakuche, in collaboration with heads of sister security agencies including the SSA to the governor of Kogi State immediately mobilized to the facility, and personnel were deployed to secure the facility, restore order, and initiate a manhunt for the escapees.

    “As of this moment, five of the fleeing inmates have been recaptured, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining inmates and bring them to justice,” he stated.

    According to him, the acting Controller General of prison has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escapes.

    “Additionally, a security audit is being conducted across all prison facilities nationwide to prevent future occurrences.

    “The Service urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may assist in the recapture of those still at large. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

    “The Service assures Nigerians that the safety of the prisons remains a top priority, and measures are being reinforced to strengthen security across all facilities. The NCoS remains committed to ensuring that correctional facilities fulfill their mandate of safe custody, rehabilitation, and reintegration of inmates,” the service added.

    FG probes Koton Karfe Prison break

    Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a statement by his Media Adviser, Babatunde Alao, yesterday, vowed to ensure that all fleeing inmates were captured by leveraging the service’s robust biometrics and already deployed technology solutions.

    The minister also ordered the acting Controller General of Prisons, Nwakuche, to visit the facility in Kogi to evaluate the situation, and commence a comprehensive audit to unravel the events that led to the incident.

    “We are on top of the situation. Our men are on ground in Kogi, and I have ordered a comprehensive audit of the situation,” he said.

  • Death row inmates rises by 98 in 6 months, Prisons acting CG reveals

    Death row inmates rises by 98 in 6 months, Prisons acting CG reveals

    ABUJA—The Nigerian prisons, has revealed that the number of prisoners on death row had risen from 3,590 in September 2024 t0 3,688 in March 2025, representing a 2.73 per cent increase or 98 prisoners within six months.

    The prisons also sought strategic collaboration with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, DSS, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, to speed up the wheel of justice in the country.

    Acting Controller-General of prisons, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche revealed the figure, yesterday, while the Senate Committee on Interior chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole was screening him for the position of substantive controller-general.

    Nwakuche was accompanied by his Principal Staff Officer, Mr. Godwin Okosun; Deputy Controller, Mr. Babatunde Ogundare; acting Controller-General, Mr. Sylvester Nwakuche; and Assistant Controller General, Mr. Ahmed Adagiri, among others, to the screening exercise, yesterday.

    Responding to questions at the screening with facts and figures, yesterday, Nwakuche disclosed that no fewer than 3688 inmates were currently on death row in the country compared to 3,590 recorded in September 2024.

    He explained the major challenges facing the prisons in the country, revealing that the majority of inmates “Are currently awaiting trials. That is our major headache we are trying to address on a daily basis.”

    The acting CG said: “Inmates on death row are now 3688 from 3,590 in September 2024. State governors are part of our challenges. They refuse to execute inmates on the death row, neither do they commute their death sentence to life imprisonment.

    “If they commute death sentences to life imprisonment, it is easier for us to distribute them to rural prisons which are not as congested as those in urban prisons.“This is because the issue of congestion is a major urban phenomenon. Our prisons in urban centres are more congested than those in rural areas. If we commute them to life sentencing, we will be able to distribute them equitably,” he added.

    He pledged to collaborate with other security agencies more strategically to ensure that the issues of awaiting trials were permanently resolved so that the prison can be decongested.

    He further emphasised collaboration and synergy specifically with the Nigeria Police, EFCC, DSS and ICPC, among others, to decisively address the challenge of awaiting trials in all the correctional facilities nationwide.

  • Corruption: Investigative panel begins probe of senior prisons officers

    Corruption: Investigative panel begins probe of senior prisons officers

    The special independent investigative panel on the alleged corruption and other violations against some senior personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has begun.

    Secretary of the panel, Dr Uju Agomoh, who chaired the session on Tuesday in Abuja, said that several cases brought before the panel involved very senior correctional officers in-charge of custodial centres across Nigeria where the alleged corrupt practices took place.

    Agomoh said that the panel, in its terms of reference, was charged with conducting a thorough inquiry into specific cases as well as recommend immediate measures.

    This, she said was to prevent future occurrences and improve correctional administration and services in Nigeria.
    “Recent reports have emerged regarding instances of corruption, torture, and cruelty, inhumane, and degrading treatment by correctional officers in Nigeria’s correctional facilities.

    “These allegations include violations of laid-down rules, abuse of authority, and mistreatment of inmates, undermining the rights and dignity of individuals within the custody of the NCoS,”she said.

    The panel secretary also pointed out that the panel’s scope of work included recommendations for immediate, medium-term, and long-term actions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that that Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had set up the independent investigative panel.

    This followed the widely known case of cross-dresser Idris Okunneya, popularly known as Bobrisky, amid controversy over whether he served his prison term in the designated custodial centre.

    The panel is also investigating cases of corruption and extortion against the person in-charge of Kuje custodial centre, Iloafonsi Ikechukwu, who was said to have intimidated, threatened, and defrauded an inmate in custody.

  • Customs expands its AEO initiative to key industries

    Customs expands its AEO initiative to key industries

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expanded the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme to include manufacturers, logistics companies, and agricultural firms.

    The expansion aims to accommodate more players in the maritime industry, thereby enhancing trade facilitation and boosting the country’s economic growth.

    Speaking at the launch of the AEO programme in Lagos, Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the significance of the initiative, nothing that the programme is designed to establish Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with customs administrations worldwide, ensuring smoother cross-border trade.

    He stated: “Certified operators will benefit from streamlined customs procedures, reduced physical inspections, and priority treatment during clearance.” Adewale added that the initiative not only benefits the private sector but also enhances the NCS’s risk management capabilities and resource allocation efficiency.

    Adeniyi also explained that the AEO program, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO), certifies companies that comply with globally recognized supply chain security standards.

    “This program represents a shift from traditional, transaction-based customs controls to a more comprehensive, compliance-driven approach.

    “The success of our pilot phase, which commenced in April 2023, has been remarkable.”

    According to the Comptroller-General, six pilot AEO companies recorded significant growth, with collective trade value soaring to N653.8 billion in 2024 from N185 billion in 2023. Correspondingly, customs revenue from these companies increased from N18.4 billion to N51.1 billion, contributing to the overall revenue surge from N3.2 trillion to N6.1 trillion within the same period.

  • Customs hands over 1,599 seized arms, ammunition in Lagos to NSA Office

    Customs hands over 1,599 seized arms, ammunition in Lagos to NSA Office

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially handed over 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges, seized during operations in 2024, to the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). The handover ceremony, held yesterday, marks a significant step in the country’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit arms.

    Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the critical role of intelligence-driven interventions in safeguarding national security, particularly in light of rising insecurity from armed banditry in the Northwest and the spread of illegal arms in the Southeast.

    Adeniyi revealed that 11 suspects connected to the arms trafficking network were also handed over for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    “The Nigeria Customs Service has reinforced its core mandate of protecting our national borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and precise intelligence-driven interventions,” Adeniyi said. “Our track record in intercepting illegal arms and ammunition underscores our frontline role in maintaining national security.”

    Recalled that major breakthrough came in May 2018, when Customs intercepted 440 pump-action rifles concealed in 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement. The rifles were hidden in a 20-foot container at the Tin Can Island Port. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of two additional containers (CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1) similarly packed with arms hidden among sanitary wares.

    “Today’s handover encompasses these seizures, culminating in the recovery of 1,599 arms and 2,298 live cartridges,” Adeniyi stated.

    The Customs boss highlighted the sophisticated investigative techniques employed, including forensic analysis of shipping records and collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to trace the illicit shipments to a Turkish company. Legal action was subsequently pursued through the Office of the Attorney General, resulting in prosecutions at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

    He said:”Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, we have successfully disrupted these smuggling operations. Our resolve remains firm: the Service will spare no effort in dismantling such networks.”
    Adeniyi also disclosed ongoing investigations into recent arms seizures at the Onne Port, where similar concealment methods were detected.

    Strengthening Inter-Agency Collaboration

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Mr. Johnson Kokumo, commended the collaborative efforts between Customs and other arms-bearing agencies.

    Kokumo, who is as the Director General of the NCCSALW, reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing the circulation of illicit arms.

    “This synergy between Customs and the National Centre underscores the importance of collective action in the fight against illegal arms trafficking. We will continue to work with international and domestic partners to ensure these weapons are permanently removed from circulation,” Kokumo said.

    The handover underscores Nigeria’s intensified efforts to combat arms smuggling, as security agencies strengthen their operations to address rising security challenges across the country.

  • Cancer no longer death sentence, access to treatment major obstacle — NCS

    Cancer no longer death sentence, access to treatment major obstacle — NCS

    On this year’s World Cancer Day, themed ‘United by Unique,’ experts in cancer treatment have declared that cancer is no longer a death sentence.

    They stressed that overcoming this disease requires collective action, patient-centred care, and a concerted effort to tackle the challenges of early detection, treatment accessibility, and rising healthcare costs.

    Speaking in Lagos, a 10-year cancer survivor, and the Chairperson of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Tinu Lawal said: “Cancer is not just about survival; it’s about thriving with dignity, hope, and support. We have come a long way from the days when cancer treatment was a far-off dream.”

    Lawal, whose personal journey of survival through limited resources serves as a testament to resilience, shared how she underwent treatment during a time when Nigeria only had one functional radiotherapy machine—one that was often breaking down due to overwhelming demand.

    Reflecting on how far cancer care in Nigeria has come, Lawal acknowledged the strides made in recent years but pointed out that significant challenges remain.

    “We’ve moved from where we were 10 years ago—almost at ground zero—to where we are today, but there’s still much to do.  Survival rates are improving, but the reality is that there is still a long road ahead for patients, especially in terms of access to affordable treatment and healthcare services.”

    The economic barriers to cancer treatment remain steep, with some therapies costing as much as N3 million per session, she said: “The cost is crippling. A single session of radiotherapy now costs almost N3 million, a far cry from the N200,000 I paid for my treatment years ago,” Lawal explained. She called on the government to provide greater financial support to patients and healthcare providers, stressing that

    healthcare workers in Nigeria, despite the pressures of brain drain, are the unsung heroes of the healthcare system.

    She called on the Nigerian government to urgently address the issue of Japa syndrome currently affecting the treatment of patients.

    Noting that one of the key focuses of this year’s World Cancer Day celebration is to advocate for early detection, Lawal emphasised that early detection and treatment are vital. “The sooner we catch cancer, the better the chances of survival. Everyone must take responsibility for their health—regular checks and screenings should be a part of everyday life,” she said.

    She said the Nigerian Cancer Society’s Lagos chapter, under her leadership, was committed to raising public awareness, de-stigmatising cancer, and promoting the importance of early detection. Through outreach programs, community engagement, and partnerships, the NCS aims to ensure that cancer becomes a central part of public health conversations.

  • INTERVIEW: We Recorded Revenue Increase After FG Lifted Ban on 43 Items – Nnadi

    INTERVIEW: We Recorded Revenue Increase After FG Lifted Ban on 43 Items – Nnadi

    Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command responded to reporters’ questions shortly after unveiling the command’s target of N1.130 trillion for 2024
    He talked about the service management drive to achieve non intrusive cargo examination where more containers will go through scanning than the ones being physically examined. According to him, this is easily achievable in an atmosphere of cargo integrity premised on compliance with import/export guidelines and sincere declaration by port users
    Ismail Aniemu was there
    Q: You just declared  2024 the year of stakeholders. What should we expect differently from your interactions with members of the port community
    All the successes we made as a command were not done in isolation. They all made contributions to it. This year we want to improve in carrying everyone along
    by introducing a watch system that will make sure that any importer, exporter or agent that is so compliant gets accelerated action in clearance of his cargo.
    At national level, we already have the fast track, the CGC upon resumption has also launched the AEO programme authorized  economic operators Programme all to reward compliance of traders who do it right.
    What we want to do particularly in Tincan Island Port is to further entrench what we started in 2023 which are: extended work hours, 24 hours operation, weekend operations. As I declared in 2023, the Ports weekend should not be translated into ‘owanbe’ weekend.The port is 24 hours operation, 7 days a week.I do not see the reason why our ports stakeholders in Lagos should devote weekends to parties and weddings.We have to be coming to work during weekends.
    In the past,we blame our stakeholders for every infractions in the system.I have told the officers that I will no longer be blaming just the stakeholders.For every declaration made by stakeholders, but released by an officer, and is intercepted through the supply chain, that officer will have to answer at enforcement.We will give a window to allow stakeholders and declaring agents to breathe
    Q: Last year you told us that you  generated N716 billion and this year they have given another target of  N1.130 trillion.Is this revenue target not putting much emphasis on revenue collection than trade facilitation?
    This has been a global question in Customs.Nigeria economy is  an import dependent economy.Therfore, we cannot neglect issues of internally generated revenue.We must emphasize it .Like I have already declared, 2024 is the year of stakeholders.We will match revenue generation and collection side by side with service delivery
    Let me point out one thing.The freight forwarder is not afraid to comply if you give them service delivery .A freight forwarder will rather be happy that he pays his duty and his container is delivered in 24 hours and 48 hours at maximum than for him to stay in the port for one week or two weeks paying demurrage.We have already mapped out strategies to make sure that no importer or freight forwarder spends longer time than necessary and accumulate undue demurrage.This is one of the strategies we will adopt.I don’t think it will be a big issue for them but let me ask if anybody has ever asked why Nigeria is import dependent? People tend to think that we don’t manufacture enough.We do manufacture a lot.The Nigerian population is so big.Over 200 million people.We consume what we manufacture and because we are not manufacturing enough, we have to import.Because we also manufacture, we have to import raw materials.People should not be scared when we mention issues of collecting revenue  through import.Do not be surprised that this same country collects revenue from excise duties.There are other items that pay excise like alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
    People tend to think that when such huge amount is mentioned, It is going to be a function of not only cargo . It’s the volume of cargo that comes in that will be taxed.It is only going to be a function of ensuring that even the few that may come in will maximize collection from them through encouraging voluntary compliance by our traders.
    Q:You talked about 24 hour service delivery as part of the strategies you have implored to ensure you get your target this year.How about the other strategic stakeholders like terminal operators and others? Are we going to be seeing this seamless synergy that will also ensure that we drive this weekend operation so that it is not just your officers you are talking to but that the other agents are part of this logistics chain? 
    Let me say that I am an incurable optimist.I recall that in 2008, we introduced scanning operation in the ports in Apapa ,when I was PRO. This same issue came up.How will people cope? Banks don’t work during the weekend.If we scan a container over the weekend, how do people collect revenue? I suggested then that money can be domiciled inside an account and covered by bond so that over the weekend, if you scan your container and there is need to pay more revenue , you can take your container and we will go to that account to collect duty .
    Now , from your phone, you can pay customs duty over the weekend.You don’t need banks to open.You can have a wallet app with which you can pay Custom duty over the weekend including Sundays.We have engaged with our stakeholders and they are in tune with our obligations, expectations and what we are doing.
    Nigerian Ports Authority have pledged to assist by providing security along the corridor.They are doing that already and Lagos State is doing that too.I held a meeting with some of the people to clear people who constitute obstacles to the movement of trucks from this road. They also pledged to provide light along the corridor.The people who manage our scanners have been working with us in the night.
    TICT that provides  containers to the scanner have been providing containers in the night.Other government agencies, particularly those that are involved in seaside operation and enforcement are already used to working in the night.The NDLEA  and others are already working.What we are saying is that those freight forwarders who are not yet embracing it should join us.Some of them are embracing it.
    Q:Currently, what is your stock of fleet of scanners available and as at 2023, what volume of Cargo were you scanning?
    Just yesterday, the CGC met with the Minister of Finance , Minister of Transportation and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.They discussed the issue.The CGC made a pledge to prioritize scanning operation. Acknowledging the pivotal role of non-intrusive cargo examination and actively decongesting the Port
    The meeting entrusted the CGC with the mandate to champion and prioritize cargo scanning over traditional physical examination methods”.It is already in national discuss that scanning is a priority. If you ask me ,I will say that for now, we have only one scanner in Tincan Island Port but we also have plans to increase the scanners.I know that before the end of this year, more scanners will be introduced.
    Last year, at Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, we conducted our Customs CG conference where the theme was anchored on ” Data Analytics and Geospatial Technology”. Based on that, permit me to read out the volume of containers we treated here on a whole.
    We handled 131,686 TEUs. that were examined in 2023.Out of these114,935 were examined physically.Unfortunately, only 16,751 were scanned.For me, this is not a good record because globally, what should be obtained should have been the opposite.
    More containers should have been scanned and not more physical examination.It is hoped that with this new enthusiasm between the CGC and the leadership of this Sector, led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority, the terminal operators, we hope that we are going to make the best out of this initiative and get more scanners into the ports, get more containers scanned .
    Scanning of containers should not serve as the ultimate.The ultimate eventually should be cargo integrity.Scanning of containers is not an end, it should still be a means to an end.The end should be enhanced cargo integrity.If a particular declaration has infractions.If we scan that container, and we see the infractions,we will still subject it to physical examination.
    That even becomes worse because we are now conducting two examinations on that container.If we scan a container, and there is an infraction, we will still subject that container to physical examination in order to correct that infraction.I will advocate that our importers should embrace genuine declarations, improved cargo integrity such that when we scan those containers, they should go immediately.
    However, the CGC in our last meeting also advocated something.They are planning that perhaps as those containers are being offloaded from the vessel, they will be scanned and the images forestalled. Those that are found without infractions during examination, will be allowed to go back and go through the scanning systems.Those found with infractions will be examined.That way , we will save time and cost.
    Q:N1.130 trillion for me appears to be a tall order and it is good that it is coming at this time. Is there a reward system for your officers? 
    NCS has been rewarding officers.Some of us have been rewarded.I have received awards too.Some of us have also received commendation letters.Some officers were recently given special promotions during the last promotion excercise.One of such officers is an officer who was promoted from the rank of  Superintendent of Customs to Assistant Comptroller of Customs as a reward for him collecting and recovering N16 billion for Federal Government of Nigeria through NCS.
    There is already a reward system for us.There are some  other officers whose names have been submitted.Very soon, we will hear about such rewards.An Officer of Tincan Island Port too was given such promotion from SC to Assistant Controller of Customs.During the last promotion exercise, nine officers of this command were promoted to Comptrollers and that is unprecedented.Tincan Island Port has remained a breeding ground for intellectuals.Besides promotion of those officers,  the management through the new NCS Act signed into law in April 2023 has recommended financial reward for officers that excel in their job if they recover tremendous revenue. It is already entrenched in the law.It is not just about the CG doing it.It is now a law.
    Q:Since the lifting of ban of forex on the 43 items, how far have those items increased revenue generation?
    Sometimes, statistics don’t lie.I am one person that will always want to work with statistics and evidence.I am not a trouble maker and I am not giving anyone trouble.If I am making trouble, I will not declare 2024 as a year of stakeholders.I have always said that we couldn’t have collected this revenue alone but for the help of our stakeholders.
    There are some people that in their attempt to maximize profit, may want to be non- compliant.My responsibility here is to make sure  that I keep an antidote to prevent that. If it is interpreted as being troublesome, I apologise
    The ban was lifted sometimes around June 2023.Reading from statistics, to see the impact of the ban lifting, ” In January 2022, total collection for Tincan was N45 billion.For the same period in 2023, it was N42 billion.In February 2022, collection for Tincan was N39 billion.In February 2023, it was N41 billion.In March 2022, collection for Tincan was N51 billion.In March 2023, it was N42 billion.In April, it was N40 billion .In 2023, it was N36, billion.In May 2022, it was N42 billion , in May 2023, it was N46 billion.In June 2022, it was N55 billion, in June 2023 it was N50 billion and the ban was lifted. In July 2022, we collected N48 billion, in July 2023 it was N72 billion.That shows the impact of that lift.In August 2022, N55 billion was collected, in August 2023 ,it was N84 billion.Two things combined, Adewale Adeniyi MFR was appointed CGC and that ban was lifted.The two has to be correlated.In September 2022, N51 billion was collected, in September 2023, N61 billion was collected.In October 2022, N49 billion was collected.In October 2023, N86 billion was collected.In November 2022, N48 billion was collected, in November 2023, N75 billion was collected.In December
    2022,N46 billion was collected, in December 2023, N76 billion was collected”.A combination of the officers here, a combination of the appointment of new management of Customs and the lifting of that ban translated into a tremendous increase in our revenue collected.
  • Anti Smuggling : Customs Record N1.51b Seizures in Ogun

    Anti Smuggling : Customs Record N1.51b Seizures in Ogun

    The Ogun 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Monday, said that N1.51bn loss incurred by the smugglers in the last eight months would have improved Nigeria’s economy if channeled into legitimate trade.

    Giving his welcome address at a symposium organised by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), titled, “Smuggling and Hoarding Of Petroleum Products: Effects On Border Communities & National Security,’ the acting Customs Area Comptroller, Ahmadu Shuaibu, said the program was an opportunity to inform and enlighten the border communities about the consequence of smuggling on the socio-economic wellbeing and national security of the country.

    Shuaibu who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller, Administration of Idiroko Border, Charles Ogunesan, said smuggling retards the nation’s economic development, hampers social wellbeing and endanger national security.

    According to him, It is time smuggling is stopped considering the dangers inherent
    in it, saying the service has lost officers to death and permanent disability while locals have also been killed sue to smuggling. communities had lost of their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling.

    “The Command in conjunction with the youths, used the opportunity of this auspicious occasion to bring us all together, to inform and enlighten us about the consequence of smuggling on our socioeconomic wellbeing and national security. Over the years, the Command had recorded series of horrible and unwanted experiences in our line of lawful duties. These experiences range from blocking of access road by smugglers and their sympathizers, mob attacks of officers either going in pursuit of information or conveying seized goods to the government warehouses, skirmishes to altercation which often result to casualties.

    “We have lost of officers to death and permanent disability while our dear communities had lost their members to the evil of this unfortunate demon called smuggling. It is high time we say no to smuggling considering the dangers inherent in it. It retards our economic development, hamper our social wellbeing and endanger our national security.”

    ” From January of this year to date, for instance, the Command had made a seizure of goods worth N1,514,478,916.00. If such huge amount of money is well utilized for legitimate trade, this will no doubt improve our economy.”

    Shuaibu who reiterated that the security and development of the country is the responsibility of everyone, stated that the core mandate of the command is to generate revenue, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade and secure our border lines.

    “Similarly, the recent seizure of smuggled ammunition and the usual seizure of harmful substances like Cannabis Sativa (popularly known as Indian helm), among other dangerous goods, are good examples of threat to our social wellbeing and national security.

    “Permit me to state empathically, that our core mandate in Ogun State is to generate revenue, suppress smuggling, facilitate legitimate trade and secure our border lines. I want you to know that the security and development of our dear nation are the responsibility of us all,” Shuaibu stated.

    Also speaking, the keynote speaker, Barr. Kehinde Bamiwola, advised the government to reduce Customs duty and tariff on goods not locally produced in the country.

    He, however, warned that any country whose import is more than export will be regarded as a dumping ground that will be bugged by high debt profile.

    “Smuggling kills or destroys local industries and the domestic economy. Smuggling creates unhealthy competition for local industries outside the doctrine of comparative cost advantage. This has nothing to do with the concept of legitimate international trade. It causes great economic loss through loss of Customs duties, taxes receivable by government and also promotes proliferation of fake, counterfeit or substandard items.

    “To the Border communities, smuggling discourages education, industrialization and legitimate trade and antithesis to Agricultural development as well as tilting and disequilibrium the national income equation.”

    He, however, recommended that government should aid local production of goods that are mostly imported via agric loans, subventions and free Customs duty on farm equipment and machines.

    “Government should aid local Production of goods that are mostly imported via Agric-loans; industrialization grants, subventions and make farm equipments and machines Customs duty free.

    “Since smuggling started as reactions to high taxes and custom duty, I hereby recommend call for reduction in custom duties and tariffs on goods that are not locally produced in Nigeria.

    “Proper regulation and stabilization of the foreign exchange market should be done. Foreign currency speculators and racketeers including their sponsors (bourgeoisies or money bags) should be dealt with if we must have a sane demand and supply regulated foreign exchange market in Nigeria.”