- We have processed exports worth N13bn in 2024 – Bomodi
As part of efforts to evade the meticulous scrutiny of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), smugglers have resorted to the conveyance of cannabis sativa through school kids around the Seme Border axis.
In what can be seen as the apex of irresponsibility, innocent children usually in school uniforms are being used as means of conveyance for harmful substances across the Seme border routes.
The Area Controller of Seme Customs Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, revealed this during a press briefing on Tuesday, even as he warned smugglers to desist from such inhumane acts.
Bomodi, however, disclosed that despite the decline in imports occasioned by the high exchange rate, the Command has collected N1.16 billion in two months – representing 88% of the revenue target for January and February 2024.
His words: “The Command was given a target of N7.875 billion to collect in the current year. This represents an increase of over 400% in collections compared to the target of 2023. This also translates to a monthly collectible revenue of N656.258 million. In January 2024, the Command collected N643,038,611.16, while in February, we collected N517,950,286.14, making a total of N1,160,988,897.30. This is about 88% of the total expected revenue.”
Meanwhile, the Command has processed 184 export declarations for 43 items with a total weight of 65,185.96 MT and an FOB value of N13.057billion. The total amount collected for NESS was N65.337 million, and N24.407 million as Export Surcharge for previously imported goods.
“Between January and February 2024, the Command successfully made 168 interventions which resulted in the seizure of 2,193 bags of 50kg (3 trailer load equivalent) foreign parboiled rice, 81,930 liters (3 tankers equivalent), 9 vehicles, 1425 General merchandise, 265 parcels of cannabis sativa and other narcotics, 149 pkg of codeine and 2 locally manufactured guns. All with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N365,888,696.”
“A total of thirteen suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures. Six of them were granted administrative bail, three were handed over to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further agency action, One was handed over to the Nigerian Police, while 3 suspects are still in our custody,” Bomodi said.
While highlighting the importance of the Joint Security Meetings in providing valuable intelligence and opportunities to share ideas, he lamented that despite the massive food shortages and inflated prices, some Nigerians have been found engaging in illegal export of food items.
“In line with the directive to ensure grains are not exported illegally, the Command made a seizure of a truckload of beans, totaling 400 bags with a DPV of N61,450,00.00, stockpiled in a warehouse at one of the exit corridors in the border. This item has since been deposited in the government warehouse for safekeeping and eventual sale to the public.”
“The continuous surveillance of the border by our officers resulted in the interceptions of 400x30liters of PMS equivalent to 12,000 liters with a DPV of N8,347,680 in the early hours of Saturday, 2nd March 2024 along the creeks. The PMS seized will be auctioned in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of sales of seized perishable items as directed by the Service,” he said
Describing the Lagos Badagry expressway as a major passageway in the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, the Customs boss stressed that the corridor along with the multiple tributaries and creeks must continue to be protected in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and Army.
He, however, reassured that as the lead agency in border security and facilitators of international trade, Customs is aware of the need to balance both responsibilities through the use of risk management tools at our disposal.
“We are also aware that those whose illicit businesses have been significantly hindered by our activities will spare no effort in devising new methods to counter us. Some of these efforts will include misinformation and disinformation. We would like to assure the public that we will continue to remain alive to our responsibilities and will not be deterred by naysayers or anyone intent upon casting aspersions on our officers, some of whom have paid the ultimate price for the service to their country. Others have been severely maimed and will bear the scars of their bravery to their graves.”
“These are challenging times for the Nigeria Customs Service. As criminals get more desperate and daring, we at Seme/Krake Joint Border Post will ensure the sustainability of a more formidable defense,” he remarked.
