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Tag: Customs

  • Customs projects 10% increase in 2025 revenue

    Customs projects 10% increase in 2025 revenue

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it is projecting a ten per cent increase in its 2025 revenue, its Comptroller-General (C-G), Adewale Adeniyi has said.

    The NCS’s boss disclosed this in his remarks at the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the NCS has met its targets accross all boards, but would continue to strive to achieve greater heights.

    The C-G on Wednesday had announced that the organisation has hit its revenue target of N5.1 trillion on Tuesday, with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year.

    Adeniyi, however, said that it would be difficult to calculate the revenue for 2025 , as revenue of 2024 may hit N6 Trillion.

    ”We are likely to take this revenue to N6 Trillion. While our achievements this year have been remarkable, with performance exceeding the target across all boards, we must guide against complacency.

    “Our progress in trade facilitation requires sustained commitment and continuous improvement,” he said.

    He said that NCS was strengthening its free trade zone operations through key initiatives, which includes the implementation of strict operating procedures for monitoring mechanism.

    In response to feedback from stakeholders, he said Customs was making remarkable upgrades to its infrastructure to reduce the number of checkpoints across major trade corridors.

    He said that the move involved deploying technology and intelligence in its operations to replace random checks.

    “I am happy to announce that our scanning capacity is set for significant enhancements under our new concessionaire. The service through the concessionary Trade Modernisation Project, will acquire 67 scanners with initial delivery of six before the end of 2024,” he said.

    The Customs boss urged participants of the conference to engage with the Nigeria’s trade policy review released on Tuesday in Geneva, and published on the World Trade Organisation website.

    He explained that the document would provide valuable insights into the progress of the NCS, adding that their understanding and feedback will enhance their contributions to the recommendations they will propose at the conference.

    The theme of the CGC conference is NCS: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purposes’. The conference which started on Tuesday would end on Friday.

  • NCS hits N5.1trn revenue target for 2024 – C-G

    NCS hits N5.1trn revenue target for 2024 – C-G

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hit its 2024 revenue target of N5.1 trillion on Tuesday, its Comptroller-General, Adewale Adeniyi, has disclosed.

    Adeniyi made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Comptroller General Conference (CGC), tagged ‘NCS: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purposes’.

    “I am pleased to announce that yesterday, 12 November 2024, at exactly ten minutes past one, the NCS hit its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion, with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year.

    “This exceptional performance projected to exceed our target by at least 10 per cent validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation.

    “The achievement is not merely about numbers; it demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernised systems can deliver tangible results for our nation’s economy,” he said.

    He said that custom’s modernisation initiatives have continued to yield immediate benefits for its stakeholders, and it strives to sustain continuous improvement.

    According to the C-G, the service has successfully implemented key reforms, which include its Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) scheme, which currently has six beneficiaries in its pilot phase.

    He further said that the advanced ruling system had processed 31 requests, with 12 rulings issued and 75 per cent completed in October following its stakeholder sensitisation efforts.

    He added that the introduction of 24-hour cargo clearance at major ports had significantly reduced dwell time.

    “The completion of Nigeria’s first-time release study now provides us with empirical data to measure and improve our efficiency.

    “Our enhanced risk management systems are streamlining operations, and the deployment of non-intrusive inspection equipment is accelerating cargo examination while maintaining robust controls,” he explained.

    He restated the commitment of NCS in fulfilling its enforcement mandate, stating that they have achieved unprecedented success in protecting both our citizens and economy.

    “The scale of our intervention is reflected in seizures valued at NGN 28.1 billion and counting in 2024 alone.

    “These seizures span critical areas of national concern, from wildlife items and arms and ammunition to narcotics and pharmaceutical products.

    “An important moment in our’ enforcement strategy was the declaration of a state of emergency at our major ports.

    “This led to the interception of 48 containers of illicit pharmaceutical items and narcotics, significantly disrupting the flow of potentially harmful products,” he said.

    He described the conference theme as apt, particularly with the evolving economic landscape, stating that multisectoral engagement was key as no single agency can effectively address customs challenges alone.

    Adeniyi said that the sessions of the conference would provide rich discussions on revenue collection, trade facilitation, partnerships, and compliance.

    He said that the insights and experiences of stakeholders were crucial in helping the service refine its strategies for the coming year, particularly as it develops its next generation of customs leaders.

    The conference, which started on Tuesday, would end on Friday.

  • Customs seize N1.1 billion worth of deadly drugs at Apapa Port

    Customs seize N1.1 billion worth of deadly drugs at Apapa Port

    The Apapa Ports Customs Command has seized illicit drugs worth N1.1 billion, concealed in four 40ft containers.

    The Customs Area Comptroller, Babatunde Olomu, made this known in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Usman Abubakar, on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Olomu revealed that the seized items included 236,783 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine and Barcadin cough syrup, packed in 2,174 cartons.

    Three of the seizures were made at APM Terminals, while the fourth was intercepted at Kachicares Bonded Terminal.

    Describing the operation as part of the Customs Service’s zero-tolerance policy towards smuggling, Olomu provided details of the confiscations: “On October 11, 2024, during a joint examination of a 40ft container with number MRKU0377493, our officers discovered 34,800 bottles of prohibited CSP cough syrup. These expired bottles, packed in 174 cartons with 200 bottles per carton, were smuggled into the country.”

    He added that another examination on the same day at the same terminal uncovered a 40ft container (TGBU8886020) carrying 39,700 bottles of DSP cough syrup, packed in 100 bottles per carton.

     

    Further inspections conducted on October 15, 2024, led to the discovery of a 40ft container (TCKU6800526), which had been declared as essential goods.

    Upon examination, it was found to be concealing 19 cartons of CSJ cough syrup, containing codeine in 100ml bottles.

    At Kachicares Resources Terminal, another 40ft container (SUDU8579006), falsely declared as containing kitchen wares, was found to hold 1,584 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup.

    In addition, 83 loose bottles were also found concealed within the container.

    Reaffirming the command’s commitment to seamless trade facilitation and robust stakeholder engagement, Olomu emphasized that the Apapa Command would maintain its strict enforcement of revenue collection and anti-smuggling operations.

    He warned those engaged in unlawful trade to stay away from Apapa Port, stating that the officers, equipped with intelligence, technology, and years of experience, would continue to expose all smuggling attempts.

    Highlighting the dangers of codeine abuse, Olomu noted that the substance had been linked to nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, impaired cognitive function, and irrational behavior, including criminal tendencies.

    He also reminded the public that the Federal Government had banned the importation of codeine-based cough syrup in 2018 due to its widespread abuse and detrimental effects on young Nigerians.

    The comptroller disclosed that further investigations into the seizures were ongoing, with the goal of identifying and apprehending those responsible for the illegal importation of the banned substances.

     

  • Private jet owners get one month grace to verify aircraft

    Private jet owners get one month grace to verify aircraft

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has extended its verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private aircraft by one month, effective from 14 October to 14 November.

    Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesperson for the NCS, announced this extension in a statement released in Abuja on Monday.

    According to Maiwada, this extension provides an additional window for operators of privately owned aircraft to comply with necessary regulations and fulfill their obligations.

    Maiwada emphasised the NCS’s commitment to ensuring all illegally imported aircraft meet legal requirements, promoting transparency and accountability in the aviation sector.

    He encouraged aircraft operators toutilise the extended period to avoid sanctions resulting from non-compliance after the deadline.

    Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of Customs, reiterated the service’s dedication to enforcing import duty laws and maintaining Nigeria’s aviation sector integrity.

    He also appreciated stakeholders’ cooperation and understanding during this exercise.

    “This verification exercise is part of the NCS’s efforts to address concerns about private jet operators evading import duties by exploiting temporary import permits.

    “The NCS aims to ensure proper imports and maximum revenue collection for the Federal Government.

  • PMS palaver: Customs sells impounded fuel at N630 per litre

    PMS palaver: Customs sells impounded fuel at N630 per litre

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has sold Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol impounded by its operatives in Yola, Adamawa State.

    NCS Comptroller General, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in the North-Eastern state.

    Represented by the NCS Deputy Controller General, Olaniyi Olajugun, the Comptroller General announced the “immediate auction of the seized products at two petrol stations in Yola, at the rate of ₦630 per litre.”

    He said the seizures underscore the persistent nature of the challenge and the necessity of continued vigilance and action.

    According to Adeniyi, the NCS Operation Whirlwind recorded significant success in its fight against fuel smuggling, seized two lorries, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS and 12 drums of petroleum products.

    “Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations, including the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states,” he said.

    “I am pleased to announce that in this latest phase of Operation Whirlwind, we have seized two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products. Additionally, one suspect has been apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities.”’

    The customs boss warned those engaged in illicit activities, saying “The full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone caught smuggling our nation’s resources.”

    He also urged all Nigerians, particularly residents of Adamawa and other border states, to support the operation.

    “Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in our collective efforts to safeguard our nation’s resources and ensure that the benefits of fuel price deregulation are fully realised by all Nigerians,” he added.

  • Customs rakes in N277bn from import duties in August

    Customs rakes in N277bn from import duties in August

    Spokesperson of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr Abdullahi Maiwada, on Thursday said the service collected N277.5 billion as import duties in August. Maiwada made the disclosure during the monthly news conference organised by the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) and hosted by the NCS in Abuja.

    The spokesperson said that the service also collected ₦15.8 billion in excise duties, demonstrating its commitment to maximising revenue generation. He stated that as part of the service’s efforts to suppress smuggling to the barest minimum, it recorded 83 seizures across various commands.

    “The NCS recorded 83 seizures across various commands, including 170,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 3,083 bags of foreign rice. The seizure also includes 1,014 parcels of cannabis sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦975,066,791.65.

    “The NCS also intensified its “Operation Whirlwind” (OPWW) to combat the smuggling of petroleum products, especially in border states. The operation over the months has led to the interception of seven PMS trucks, the sealing of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 litres of PMS and 23 vehicles,” he said.

    According to him, investigations have led to the prosecution of seven suspects, while three marketers have been fined by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and sealed filling stations have been transferred for further action.

    Speaking at the briefing, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that backdating fireman licenses to circumvent the ban on fire arms by the force remains fraudulent.

    Adejobi said the ban on the use of arms and ammunition in Nigeria was still in place and urged the public not to be deceived by arms dealers who say they can backdate licenses.

    “Don’t be deceived because there are certain individuals who would go and backdate the license and give it to you; they must have extorted you to even issue the license to you; it’s still fake. Don’t allow anybody to lead you in committing a criminal offence in the issue of arms,” he warned.

    According to the spokesperson, the force will be very aggressive in going after the possession of illegal fire arms across the country. He said that the force has arrested 97 members of the proscribed Shiite group following their face-off with police, where two of its personnel were killed.

    He warned that attacking the police or any other security operatives while discharging their constitutional duties would not be tolerated.

  • Tariff removal: Customs to forgo N188bn on import duties

    Tariff removal: Customs to forgo N188bn on import duties

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it will forgo N188.37 billion in import duties following the Federal Government’s directive to remove tariffs and other import duties on key food staples.

    The Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure in his keynote address at the second Economic Confidential Lecture and Book Presentation in Abuja on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that to alleviate food inflation in Nigeria, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced on July 8 the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on certain food staples imported through land and sea borders.

    These staples include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. The measure introduces a 150-day duty-free import window for these food commodities, to be implemented over a period of 180 days.

    According to Adeniyi, the six-month tariff suspension could result in a revenue forfeiture of approximately N188.37 billion, which represents the government’s commitment to prioritising food security over short-term revenue goals.

    He noted that the removal of tariffs and import duties on key staples for the next six months represented a considerable sacrifice in terms of potential revenue.

    The NCS estimates that the total import of these food items between 2020 and 2023 was more than N3.8 trlillion generating more than N191 billion in custom duties, and more than N562 billion in various levies paid to the government.

    Adeniyi assured that the NCS would ensure seamless clearance of the listed foods, create special corridors to expedite their clearance, build the capacity of its personnel, and shore up its anti-smuggling measures to prevent the influx of unlisted food items.

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, speaking on the theme of the lecture, `Leveraging on Effective Communication for Revenue Generation and Economic Development` said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration was implementing hard reforms aimed at salvaging Nigeria’s economy.

    The Vice-President`s speech was delivered by Dr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, Office of the Vice President.

    He highlighted the government’s achievements, including growing foreign reserves to more than N37 billion and achieving a standard transmission of 4,500 megawatts of electricity.

    He added that the Federal Government had provided conditional cash transfers to more than one million families to alleviate their living difficulties and had settled seven billion dollars in inherited foreign obligations, among other measures.

    Alhaji Yushau Shuaib, Managing Director, Image Merchants Limited (IMPR), the organisers of the lecture series, commended the C-G for his efforts toward repositioning NCS and working in sync to implement Tinubu’s economic reforms.

    Shuaib said that book titled, `Impactful Public Relations in Customs Management` was written following the strategic communications adopted by NCS to provoke constructive engagement and healthy dialogue with its various publics.

    NAN reports that awards of excellence by IMPR were presented to the C-G of Customs, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Gov. Muhammed Yahaya of Gombe, Gov. Sanwo Olu of Lagos and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

  • Suspected smuggler kills Customs officer in Kaduna

    Suspected smuggler kills Customs officer in Kaduna

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, has announced the tragic death of an Insp of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo.

    The incident, it was gathered, occurred on Friday during a stop-and-search operation at Achilafia along the Daura-Kano road in Jigawa.

    The details were contained in a statement issued by SP Isah Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer for the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna.

    According to him, the suspect has been detained while Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu vowed to ensure justice for the slain officer.

    Sulaiman said, ”The incident happened when a vehicle, suspected of being smuggled into the country struck the operative while attempting to evade arrest.

    ”The late officer was rushed to General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.”

    Insp Hamza, an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers, was born on April 15, 1985.

    ”He joined the Nigeria Customs Service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the Transport and Logistics Unit on October 17, 2013, and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (IC) in 2022.

    ”He is survived by his wife and two children and his remains had been laid to rest in Katsina according to Islamic rites.

    ”Shuaibu, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the unit, extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and prayed for his eternal rest.

    ”Shuaibu noted that the incident highlights the level of desperation among smugglers who operate with disregard for human life,” Sulaiman added.

    He added that this was one of many instances where smugglers killed and maimed personnel of the service in attempts to evade arrest.

    The spokesperson quoted Shuaibu as vowing to ensure that justice was served,  adding, ”one suspect has been arrested and is in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa.

    “The unit’s operatives would not be deterred and would remain unwavering in the fight against smuggling.”

  • Suspected smuggler kills Customs Officer in Kaduna

    Suspected smuggler kills Customs Officer in Kaduna

    The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, has announced the tragic death of an Insp of Customs (IC) Hamza Abdullahi-Elenwo.

    The incident occurred on Friday during a stop-and-search operation at Achilafia along the Daura-Kano road in Jigawa.

    The details were contained in a statement issued by SP Isah Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer for the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B, Kaduna.

    According to him, the suspect has been detained while Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu vowed to ensure justice for the slain officer.

    Sulaiman said, ”The incident happened when a vehicle, suspected of being smuggled into the country struck the operative while attempting to evade arrest.

    ”The late officer was rushed to General Hospital Kazaure and later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Katsina, where he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty.”

    Insp Hamza, an indigene of Port Harcourt, Rivers, was born on April 15, 1985.

    ”He joined the Nigeria Customs Service as Customs Assistant III (CAIII) in the Transport and Logistics Unit on October 17, 2013, and was promoted to the rank of Inspector of Customs (IC) in 2022.

    ”He is survived by his wife and two children and his remains had been laid to rest in Katsina according to Islamic rites.

    ”Shuaibu, on behalf of the entire officers and men of the unit, extended his heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family and prayed for his eternal rest.

    ”Shuaibu noted that the incident highlights the level of desperation among smugglers who operate with disregard for human life,” Sulaiman added.

    He added that this was one of many instances where smugglers killed and maimed personnel of the service in attempts to evade arrest.

    The spokesperson quoted Shuaibu as vowing to ensure that justice was served,  adding, ”one suspect has been arrested and is in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force, Gwiwa Division in Jigawa.

    ‘The unit’s operatives would not be deterred and would remain unwavering in the fight against smuggling.”

  • NCS generates N1.02trn in first half 2024

    NCS generates N1.02trn in first half 2024

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated N1.02 trillion at its Apapa Area Command in the first half of the year.

    The Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this at a news conference in Lagos on Monday.

    He said that the figure represented a 143 per cent increase over the N421.38 billion generated during the same period in 2023.

    Olomu highlighted that the agency’s efforts at promoting and facilitating trade were yielding significant results.

    “Our efforts have been mainly targeted at preventing revenue losses, improving ease of doing business, and engaging stakeholders,” Olomu said.

    He noted that the command generated the amount in spite of a sharp reduction in trade volume.

    “We have implemented measures to prevent government revenue loss by using a blend of intelligence and community relations,” he added.

    Olomu said that during the review period, the command intercepted 11 containers of regulated items, such as expired drugs, contraband goods, and frozen birds worth N424 million, compared to 42 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.4 billion in the corresponding period of 2023.

    “These seizures were made from dishonest importers attempting to smuggle goods into Nigeria,”she stated.

    The News Agency reports that the command uncovered a large quantity of expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals in three 40ft containers.

    It also uncovered  another three 40ft containers loaded with 7,580 cartons of frozen poultry products unfit for human consumption.

    Olomu explained that these smuggled items violated Schedule Three of the revised import prohibition list of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

    He praised the motivation and leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and thanked his men and officers for their hard work.

    The CAC attributed the command’s successes to support from sister agencies in the port, such as the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Army.

    Olomu said that in line with the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling, the command has reformed the management of cargoes moving from the mother port to bonded terminals by ensuring more meticulous oversight.

    “No cargo is allowed to exit our control without thorough inspection using the scanner,” he noted.

    He assured that proper cargo inspection would not be compromised, and the command would continue to make seizures, detentions and arrests where necessary.

    This, he added, would help to protect the national economy and prevent Nigerians from exposure to dangerous or unwholesome products like illicit drugs.