By Aisha Cole

The Customs Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMA), Comptroller Michael Awe, says the command generated N97.1 billion in second quarter of the year.

Awe disclosed this during a news conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, where he highlighted the command’s improved revenue performance compared to second quarter of 2024.

He noted that the revenue in the period under review surpassed the N80.3 billion recorded in second quarter 2024.

This growth, he said, represented a 20.92 per cent rise, reflecting the command’s improved operational strategies and stakeholder compliance.

Awe extended the service appreciation to all compliant importers, exporters and clearing agents for their continuous support towards achieving revenue targets.

He explained that intercepted goods in the last six months were 18 pieces of Tippmann Semi-Automatic Calibre Mag-Fed Paintball Markers and 32 pieces of empty Tippmann Tank Cylinders with the Duty Paid Value (DPV) N18.3 million.

“Other intercepted items in the period under review includes 20 pieces of Ballistic Helmets with the duty paid value of N2.6 million, 75 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3,765kg valued at N772.3 million.

“The total Duty Paid Value of these seizures stands at N792.7 million.

“These seizures were made as a the result of robust intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance and the unwavering dedication of our officers.

“The command also intercepted two life pangolins about to be smuggled out of Nigeria in a cage and the command has sent it to Igebti area in Oyo to secure good habitat to survive and has also sent the Tippmann Semi-Automatic Calibre Mag-Fed to Police for further investigation.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure the public that the command remains firmly committed to curbing all forms of unlawful trade. We will continue to enforce all applicable laws and regulations with integrity, discipline, and zero tolerance for smuggling,” Awe said.

He emphasised the command’s efforts in enhancing relationship with all its stakeholders which had been a critical pillar of their successes.

The command boss noted that customs had nurtured the existing relationship with stakeholders through regular interactions, information sharing, and mutual cooperation, which had resulted in faster decision-making and better operational outcomes.

He added that the command initiated a sporting competition in the second quarter to foster inter agency collaboration between Customs and other partners.

“This event promoted physical fitness, mental alertness, and comradeship among personnel and other stakeholders operating in this area of jurisdiction.

“The competition featured games such as badminton, table tennis, volleyball, draft as well as football.

“The introduction of these sporting activities has proven effective in boosting physical fitness, reducing stress, fostering unity, and providing a relaxed platform for strategic engagement,” Awe said.

He reiterated that Murtala Muhammed Area Command remains firmly committed to enhancing revenue collection, intensifying the fight against smuggling, and deepening collaboration with all stakeholders.

Awe assured the public that the command would continue delivering efficient and responsive service, safeguard national interests, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and transparency.

He commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi,  and the entire management team for their unwavering support and visionary leadership, which continue to steer their operations in the right direction.

While receiving the intercepted 75 bags of pangolin, the Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Liaison Office Lagos, Dr Jonathan Dajal, commended the NCS for protecting the lives of Nigerians through their operations.

Dajal said that NESREA was a Nigerian government agency established in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment as well as responsible for enforcing environmental laws, guidelines, policies, standards, and regulations across Nigeria.

Dajal said that NESREA was mandated by law in ensuring such items were not escaped from the country adding that environmental crime offenders would be prosecuted accordingly.

He urged Nigerians to support in protecting the environment and also contribute by extending intelligence sharing to assist customs to achieve its mandate.

Also speaking, the Chairman, MMA Command of the National Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Ashiru Balogun, commended customs for the great achievement.

He said that the increase in the command’s revenue had demonstrated the level of stakeholders’ complaints while pleading customs to inform government to give customs brokers some percentage in the revenue to enable them improve in training of their members. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa