TheNewsGuru

Tag: Customs

  • Customs records N3.68trn revenue for first half of 2025

    Customs records N3.68trn revenue for first half of 2025

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a revenue of N3.68 trillion for the first half of 2025, surpassing its revenue target by N390.20 billion equivalent to 11.85 per cent.

    This is made known in a statement by NCS`s spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Maiwada said that the  Nigeria Customs Service Board (NCSB) did a comprehensive review of the revenue which was announced  at its 63rd regular meeting.

    The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.

    He said that the board linked the achievement to the effectiveness of NCS`s ongoing reforms, improved compliance by stakeholders and enhanced deployment of technology in Customs operations alongside service’s strengthened capacity in revenue mobilisation.

    Between 1st January and 30th June 2025, the service recorded a total revenue collection of N3,682,496,530,576.48, representing a remarkable performance above expectations.

    “In practical terms, this signifies that within six months, the NCS has already achieved 55.93 per cent of its annual revenue target, “ he said.

    Maiwada said that the NCSB at the meeting approved the appointment of four Deputy Comptroller-Generals (DCGs) and twelve (12) Assistant Comptroller-Generals (ACGs).

    He said that the appointments were  to fill vacancies created by the recent retirement of some management members, while also strengthening equitable representation within the Service’s leadership structure.

    He added that the appointments were in line with the availability of positions across the six geopolitical zones.

    According to him, this is in strict compliance with the Federal Character Policy of the Government, as provided in Section 14(4) of the NCS Act, 2023.

    “The newly appointed DCGs are: AB Mohammed (North-West), GO Omale (North-Central), OC Orbih (South-South), D Nnadi (South-East).

    “While the new ACGs include: MP Binga (North-East), CA Awo (South-East), AB Shuaibu (North-Central), AT Abe (North-West), K Mohammed (North-West), B Mohammed (North-West).

    “ TM Daniyan (North-Central), B Oramalugo (South-East), OP Olaniyan (South-West), B Olomu (South-West), IK Oladeji (South-West), and CC Dim (South-East),“ Maiwada said.

    The spokesman said the board also approved the promotion of 3,312 senior officers across various ranks from Comptroller of Customs (CC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC 11).

    “Additionally, the NCS Management during its sixth Management Meeting held on Friday, 29 August 2025, approved the promotion of 202 junior officers from Assistant Inspector (AIC) to Customs Assistant I (CA1).

    “ These promotions underscore the service’s commitment to merit-based career progression and recognition of outstanding performance,“ he said.

    He, however, said that disciplinary matters were presented during the meeting  leading to the demotion of two officers to the next lower rank for various levels of misconduct.

    Maiwada added that two other officers were granted reinstatement after reviewing their cases.

    “ This action reflects the board’s commitment to upholding accountability and fairness, in line with the service’s core values, “ he said.

    On the Trade Modernisation Project,   he said the board acknowledged milestones recorded  including wider deployment of the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) and arrival of six scanners including an FS6000 model to boost non-intrusive inspection.

    Other acheivements also include the procurement of Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) equipment, setup of the Centralised Image Analysis System (CIAS) at Customs Headquarters, reinforcement of cybersecurity architecture among others.

    Maiwada said that the board acknowledged that these developments further aligned Nigeria’s clearance processes with international best practices.

    According to him, the Comptroller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, congratulated the newly appointed and promoted officers while charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

    Adeniyi also reaffirmed the service’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, transparency, and excellence in service delivery, while appreciating the Minister of Finance for his continued support and guidance. (

  • Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    Customs hands over expired drugs worth N3.77bn to NAFDAC

    Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday handed over expired pharmaceutical products valued at N3.77 billion to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Hussaini Abdullahi, in Lagos.

    Abdullahi said that the handover took place during a visit by the new NAFDAC Director of Enforcement and Investigation, Dr Martin Iluyomade, to FOU Zone ‘A’ on Aug. 25.

    The Controller of FOU Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Mohammed Shu’aibu, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to upholding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NCS and NAFDAC.

    This, he described as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against fake and counterfeit products.

    “What we are witnessing today is a follow-up to the MoU between the two agencies.

    “This MoU emphasises the importance of collaboration among regulatory and security agencies to continuously thwart the smuggling and importation of harmful consignments,” he said.

    Shu’aibu disclosed that three trucks loaded with various expired pharmaceutical products were handed over. The items, packed in sacks and cartons, included Hyergra, Royal Tablets 225, CSC Codine Syrup, Really Extral, Tramadol, Amlodipine, Milk Oil Flavour, and Firegra, among others.

    “The wide range of these products poses serious risks to public health if not properly regulated.

    “The Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the expired pharmaceuticals stands at N3.77 billion,” he added.

    He stressed that the Service remained committed to ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines in Nigeria and that expired products would be handled with utmost seriousness.

    According to him, the handover is not a one-off event, as more consignments will be transferred to NAFDAC after ongoing investigations.

    He further assured Nigerians that Customs would continue to prioritise public health by preventing expired and counterfeit drugs from circulating in markets.

    Receiving the consignments on behalf of the NAFDAC Director-General, Iluyomade commended the NCS for its unwavering commitment to the MoU, describing the collaboration as a strategic partnership in safeguarding public health.

    He noted that NAFDAC would redouble its efforts in combating the smuggling of counterfeit and fake pharmaceuticals.

  • Manufacturers kick against reintroduced 4% FOB charge

    Manufacturers kick against reintroduced 4% FOB charge

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Monday kicked against the reintroduction of the four per cent Free on Board (FOB) charge by the Nigeria Customs Service, which took effect on Aug. 4.

    ​Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadri, the Director-General of MAN, said in Lagos that the move contradicts the government’s widely publicised suspension of the charge.

    ​He noted that manufacturers were concerned it would significantly increase the cost of importing raw materials, machinery, and spare parts that are not available locally.

    ​Ajayi-Kadri explained that the sudden reintroduction of the four per cent FOB charge led MAN to conduct a rapid technical assessment to confirm the implications for the sector.

    The results, he said, showed unsettling issues that could severely impact manufacturing.

    ​”The idea that the charge streamlines previous multiple charges and reduces cargo clearance costs does not reflect reality.

    “The fact is that the cost of the four per cent charge on a manufacturing company is enormously higher than the combined effect of the seven per ent surcharge and one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy,” he said.

    ​He added that in other West African countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, targeted inspection or collection fees are kept within a 0.5 per cent to one per cent FOB range, with higher levies only on luxury or non-essential imports.

    ​”The Nigeria Customs Service’s unilateral imposition of a uniform four per cent FOB levy would raise the cost of doing business, encourage informal cross-border sourcing, lead to cargo diversion, and promote under-declaration,” the DG noted.

    ​Ajayi-Kadri urged the Federal Government and the Nigeria Customs Service to stop implementing the four per cent FOB charge and set a new timeline for its implementation.

    He suggested they extend it to Dec. 31, to allow for an impact assessment and consultation with stakeholders.

    ​This, he said, would determine an appropriate level of charges that would ensure the customs service performs efficiently.

    ​Ajayi-Kadri explained, ​”This timeframe would align with the January 2026 take-off date for recently introduced tax laws.

    “It would allow a proper technical session with strategic stakeholders to discuss issues vital to the survival of affected businesses in Nigeria and the development of business-friendly implementation guidelines.”

    ​He suggested that, in the meantime, the NCS should retain the current one per cent CISS plus a seven per cent cost of collection fee.

    The emphasised that this would balance revenue generation with industrial competitiveness to save 230 million Nigerians from avoidable price increases.

  • President Tinubu extends Customs CG’s tenure

    President Tinubu extends Customs CG’s tenure

    President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, whose tenure was due to expire on August 31.

    ‎The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday in Abuja.‎

    ‎According to the statement, the extension, approved by President Bola Tinubu will enable Adeniyi to consolidate ongoing reforms and complete critical initiatives of the administration.‎

    ‎These reforms include the modernisation of the NCS, full implementation of the National Single Window Project and the execution of Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol.

    ‎President Tinubu praised Adeniyi’s leadership, describing him as a dedicated reformer with a proven track record.‎

    ‎The president said he was confident that the extension will further strengthen the NCS in achieving its strategic mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and border security.

    Tinubu confirmed the appointment of Adeniyi as the CG of the Nigeria Customs Service in October 2023. He took over from former CG, Hameed Alli in June 2023, initially serving in acting capacity.

  • Customs seizes $29,000 from travelers, hands over to EFCC

    Customs seizes $29,000 from travelers, hands over to EFCC

    Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command has handed over $29,000 seized from two male passengers to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Handing over the foreign currency to the EFCC in Lagos on Tuesday, the comptroller in charge of (MMIA) Command, Effiong Harrison, said that the money was falsely declared by the passenger at the airport.

    Harrison, who handed over the intercepted currency following the directive of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, said the suspect’s action was in contravention of the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

    The command head said the passengers’ International Passports and other relevant documents were also handed over to the EFCC for necessary action.

    He said: ‘The suspect,  two Indian male passengers about to travel to India with an Emirate Flight on Tuesday.

    “He approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared a total $6,000. Upon examination, additional sum of $23,000 was discovered neatly concealed in different packages. thereby bringing the total sum to $29,000.

    “This is in contravention of the provisions of Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

    “This Act stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.”

    Harrison said the command was committed to arresting and stopping unlawful activities that brought the country into disrepute.

    The controller said that customs was ready and continuously collaborating with stakeholders and other relevant government agencies in ensuring that those who are engaged in money laundering do not use international airport in Lagos for their criminal activities.

    He said that they had sensitisation programmes to promote a situation whereby the country was safe and would also encourage foreigners to do business in Nigeria.

    Harrison further stated that Customs was working toward promoting a system where investors would have confidence to come to Nigeria to do business in line with government policies.

    He warned offenders to desist, adding that economic policies were not being adhered to, and Nigeria was losing revenue as a result of such activities.

    He said that the the suspects should have told the truth and declared accordingly.

    Harrison said customs was handing over the money and their travelling documents and all other information that they gave to customs voluntarily to the EFCC for further investigation.

    While receiving the suspects and the foreign currencies, the Acting Director, Lagos Office 2 of the EFCC, Mr Ahmed Ghali, who was represented by EFCC office Mrs Amachree Ibinabi, commended the efforts of the comptroller and officers of the command.

    Ghali urged members of the public to be wary of such act, adding that the provision of the law was very clear on money declaration.

    He explained that passengers were allowed to carry along 10,000 dollars while traveling and arriving the country and any additional money would be declared.

    “The law required the traveller to make honest declaration. Nobody will stop you from travelling with your cash in as much as you declare, no matter the amount.

    “We sensitise the public on their obligations, in terms of currency declaration. Having done that this afternoon, we now have this seizure.

    “It’s also to show the public that the sensitisation is to prevent Incidences like this. But, whereas, the prevention now fails, the EFCC is always there to ensure that the laws are properly enforced.

    “This case will be properly investigated and persecuted accordingly.

  • Nigeria customs denounces fake CBT shortlist circulating online

    Nigeria customs denounces fake CBT shortlist circulating online

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has described as fake the announcement of the service’s shortlist for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) circulating on social media and other messaging platforms.

    The NCS spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Maiwada said that the list which, was released through a press statement, was fraudulent, misleading and not issued by the NCS.

    “The purported release falsely asserts that the CBT is scheduled to take place in July, as part of the ongoing NCS recruitment exercise.

    “The NCS wishes to categorically state that the said press release is fraudulent, misleading, and did not emanate from the Nigeria Customs Service.

    “At no time did the service issue any such announcement regarding a CBT slated to take place in July 2025,” he said. .

    Maiwada said that upon close scrutiny, it became clear that the fake statement contained several discrepancies, particularly in its formatting.

    “The e-signature format differs from our official standard, and the recruitment timeline mentioned shows a faulty structure that is not connected to any legitimate process,“ he said.

    He acknowledged the interest of Nigerians on its ongoing recruitment process and urged the public not to engage with, share or act upon such unverified content.

    According to him, authentic information about NCS activities, including its ongoing recruitment exercises will be published only on the service’s official website, verified social media platforms and recognised national newspapers.

    He said that the service was investigating the source of the fake news and would take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable.

    The NCS spokesman also said that the service would notify the public when it is set to begin the next phase of its recruitment process through appropriate channels.

    “The NCS deeply appreciates the vigilance of concerned Nigerians.

    “We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the public from misinformation, ensuring all our processes uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity, “ he said.

  • Customs rakes in N747bn in 6 months

    Customs rakes in N747bn in 6 months

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Tin Can Island Port Command, Lagos, on Thursday said it generated N747.07 billion from its operations between January and June.

    According to the command, the figure represents a remarkable surplus of N171,719,786,247.68 when compared to the N575.36 billion realised in the same period of 2024.

    This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka, and made available to newsmen in Lagos.

    Onyeka stated that the command collected a total revenue of N747,079,233,259.91 (Seven Hundred and Forty-Seven billion, seventy-nine million, two hundred and thirty-three thousand, two hundred and fifty-nine Naira, ninety-one kobo) in the first half of 2025.

    According to him,  the figure represents a 29.85 per cent increase compared to the previous year and reflects a 98.03 per cent performance against the command’s expected revenue target for the period.

    Providing a breakdown, the Customs boss said that in January, the command generated N116.41 billion, up from N88.43 billion recorded in January 2024.

    He said the command in February collected N103.25 billion, compared to N100.25 billion in the same month of 2024.

    From March to May, revenue collections were as follows: March, N128.27 billion; April, N145.02 billion, and in May, N128.45 billion.

    These figures, Onyeka explained, exceeded both the command’s monthly revenue target of N127.06 billion and the corresponding figures for March to May 2024, which stood at N115.11 billion, N95.70 billion, and N92.67 billion, respectively.

    “For June 2025, the command generated N125.68 billion, significantly higher than the N83.19 billion recorded in June 2024.”

    Onyeka also disclosed that within the six-month period, the command received 3,450 Single Goods Declarations  under the new Bodogwu clearance system and successfully processed and exited 2,749 entries.

    “Since the innovation (Bodogwu) and its successful implementation, the command had organised several online and physical trainings and workshops to provide firsthand knowledge to all stakeholders on the operations of the system.

    “A total of 282 vessels reported at the command in the first quarter of the year, with import tonnage comprised of bulk cargoes such as bulk wheat, bulk malt, lab chemical, drilling rods, bulk sugar, aluminum nitride, general cargoes among others.

    “The command recorded significant progress in its drive toward safe-guarding the nation and her citizens from the threat of unwholesome items through the arrest and subsequent handover of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition. accordingly.

    “The command confiscated and handed over illicit drugs worth over N8, 053,125,000.00 to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he said.

    He noted that through its examinations, the command uncovered arms and ammunition and other military equipment concealed in a 1x40ft container with items recovered.

    He listed items to include, rugger P345 Pistol Reg. No. 664 – 75425; 23 GEN;  4 Austria Pistol Reg. No. TO 6252; 100 rounds of live ammunition of 9mm, and 34 rounds of blank ammunition of 9mm.

    Others included 4 rounds of blank ammunition; 5 empty magazines; 2 handcuffs, and a small iron touch light.

    He noted that to ensure proper handling of the items, the Customs Area Controller handed the contrabands together with the consignee and the declarant to the Department of State Services, Tincan Island Port Command.

    According to Onyeka, the handover exercises underscore the commitment of the command to upholding national security by safeguarding national borders.

  • Apapa customs shuts down 3 terminals

    Apapa customs shuts down 3 terminals

    The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sealed three bonded terminals in Apapa for various infractions, with one terminal charged to court for prosecution.

    The Customs Area Controller (CAC) Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this during a media conference held in Lagos on Thursday.

    Olomu stated that investigations were ongoing for the remaining two bonded terminals.

    He warned perpetrators of illegal operations to desist from such activities, adding that the Apapa Command is staffed by “eagle-eyed officers”.

    He revealed that between January and June 2025, the command intercepted 27 containers with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N9.2 billion.

    Nine of these seizures included containers carrying unregistered pharmaceuticals, used clothing, expired margarine, wild animal skins, and codeine syrup.

    The Apapa Customs Controller further explained that the seizures comprised 10 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals, two containers of codeine syrup, two containers of stolen vehicles, and four containers of second-hand clothing, among other items.

    He said, “These 27 container seizures are a fallout of our efforts to prevent Nigerians from unwholesome foods and drugs, stop illicit trade, and protect our local industries.

    “We will never compromise the health, well-being, or safety of Nigerians on the altar of trade facilitation. Every consignment passing through our port undergoes diligent checks through scanning and physical examination when required.”

    He emphasised that unregistered pharmaceuticals were the most prominent items among the 28 seizures made by the command during the period under review.

    The seizures also included controlled drugs, used clothes, codeine syrup, wild animal skins, and other sundry items.

    Olomu highlighted that trafficking in wild animals contravenes the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which Nigeria is a signatory.

    He also noted the detention of a container of matches imported without the required End User Certificate (EUC), as stipulated by extant laws.

    On trade facilitation, Olomu disclosed that the command generated N1.37 billion between January and June as revenue for the Federal Government.

    He urged all officers of the command to redouble their efforts to surpass the command’s target for 2025.

    Olomu acknowledged the support of sister agencies in intelligence sharing and joint consultations aimed at national security.

    He attributed the command’s success to the Comptroller-General’s directives, which emphasise maximum collection of government revenue by preventing leakages and applying demand notices (DN) when necessary.

    Speaking at the conference, Buba Wakawa, the Strategic Commander of Narcotics, Apapa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), explained that importers of fake pharmaceuticals and other illicit drugs often use fake companies and addresses.

    “Most of the drugs being imported are brought in the name of fake companies.

    “We have some cases we are prosecuting at the Federal High Court, and we have to use their NIN to trace the perpetrators. However, if you use the bill of lading, it won’t lead anywhere,” he said.

    Dr Olakunle Olaniyan, Director of Ports Inspectorate for the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), condemned the smuggling of pharmaceutical products, labeling smugglers as “economy saboteurs.”

    Olaniyan stressed that medicines are meant for the sick, not for facilitating criminal activities in society.

    He commended Customs for the continuous interception of illicit substances and urged everyone to collaborate in the fight, advising the public to be vigilant.

    Alhaji Abdul Fatai Babajide, a freight forwarder with over 24 years of experience, commended Customs for the robust synergy with stakeholders.

    Babajide encouraged stakeholders to continue discussions on “B’odogwu” to address challenges encountered while logging out from the newly introduced operational platform for cargo processing.

  • Seme customs generates N3.5bn in 5 months

    Seme customs generates N3.5bn in 5 months

    The Seme command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N3.5 billion in revenue between January and May.

    The Controller of the command, Dr Benedict Oramalugo disclosed this during a working visit of the Zonal Coordinator of the NCS,  Zone A, ACG Charles Orbih to the command.

    According to Oramalugo,  the command facilitated export consignments of 220,300 metric tonnes, valued at ₦47 billion, Free on Board (FOB).

    The controller also highlighted anti-smuggling efforts that resulted in seizures worth ₦889 million.

    He said they included the interception of expired pharmaceuticals, marijuana and corrosive mercury, which were handed over to the relevant security agencies for further investigation.

    Oramalugo, however, acknowledged several challenges facing the command, which he listed as  seven years power outage, poor road infrastructure, non-functional scanning equipment, and border porosity.

    He emphasised ongoing advocacy for infrastructure upgrades, deployment of modern surveillance tools, and deeper collaboration with sister security agencies and local communities to address these concerns.

    In his remarks, Orbih lauded the leadership of the command for initiatives such as  renovation of the Customs Officers Wives  Association (COWA) building, upgrading of the sports complex, and the recent commissioning of the officers’ mess.

    He described the projects as symbolic of the command’s alignment with the vision of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi , who had anchored the service’s transformation agenda on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation.

    Orbih highlighted the zone’s impressive contributions to national revenue, noting that the zone accounted for 79.8 per cent of the NCS’s ₦1.3 trillion revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025.

    He also reaffirmed the service’s modernisation journey through initiatives such as the Advance Ruling System, Authorized Economic Operators programme, and B’Odogwu platform, the indigenous Customs Clearance system.

    Orbih noted that the service’s operational strategy for 2025 is guided by seven strategic focus areas, including trade modernisation, enhanced risk management and operationalisation of the NCS university.

    “Others are strengthening international partnerships under the AfCFTA framework, implementation of a robust Corporate Social Responsibility  strategy and promotion of open governance through increased transparency framework and stakeholder engagement.

    “These initiatives are already producing commendable outcomes,” he said.

    Orbih charged officers and men of the command to continue upholding professionalism, integrity, and innovation, stressing that the bar had been raised for Zone A.

    “As we move forward, the bar has been set higher for Zone ‘A’. Our previous achievements, impressive as they were, should serve as stepping stones rather than resting points.

    “We must leverage our strategic importance to push beyond these accomplishments, innovating and adapting to meet the evolving demands of our nation’s economy and security needs,” he said.

    The ACG expressed confidence in the ability of the command and other units under the zone to not only sustain but surpass current achievements in service to the nation.

  • Customs speaks on extortion allegation at Lagos Airport

    Customs speaks on extortion allegation at Lagos Airport

    The Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has refuted allegations of extortion against the GHR Command by an American Returnee, Oke Adhekegba.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abdul, said in a statement in Lagos on Monday said the Command had commenced a full-scale investigation to establish the facts of the matter.

    The Comptroller in charge of the command, Effiong Harrison, said the passenger was accompanied by 10 luggage containing multiple items, including 15 pairs of footwear, 22 bottles of perfume, 12 pieces of bags and numerous new clothing.

    Harrison said that the items worth N3,113,574 with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1,000,004.

    He said the Adhekegba arrived in Lagos aboard British Airways with a flight Number BA-75 from London on Friday, May 16, 2025 at approximately 18:47 hours at the arrival hall D of the old terminal.

    ”These items were assessed at $1,948.15 USD upon proper valuation. Using the prevailing exchange rate of ₦1,598.22, the value in naira amounted to ₦3,113,574.00.

    “In line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, the applicable charges which are Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) charge, Import Duty, Surcharge (SUR), ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) Levy, and Value Added Tax (VAT) were computed, amounting to ₦1,000,004.00, which has since been duly remitted into the Federal Government’s coffers (Copy attached),” Harrison said.

    He said the customs examination was carried out by two customs officers named Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) KO Adebayo and Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) CC Ugboma.

    Harrison explained that NCS was committed to professionalism, transparency, and integrity,

    “The MMIA Command does not condone unethical behaviour or compromise of standard operational procedures by its personnel or members of the travelling public”.

    He said that the command had, therefore, begun a full-scale investigation to establish the facts of the matter.

    While the command remains open to scrutiny and welcomes constructive engagement from stakeholders, Harrison reiterated that duty should be paid on dutiable items as prescribed by the law.

    He stated that the command would not hesitate to enforce the relevant provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, where any passenger was found to have breached the law for personal gain.

    He added that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport command assured the public of its commitment to facilitating legitimate travel and trade, while upholding zero tolerance for misconduct or abuse of process at all ports of entry.