JUST IN:Again Apapa Command Generates N1.172 Trillion In 2023, Intercepts N22.8b Seizures From Smugglers.

By Helen Udoh, Outlook Media ABUJA.

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has kept the tempo of
improved revenue collection by crossing the N1 trillion mark in the face of
declined trade volume, promoting trade facilitation and sustained its anti-
smuggling activities to protect the nation’s economy.

In 2023, the command lived up to its mandate by ensuring enabling trading
environment for importers, exporters, shipping companies, terminal
operators, bonded warehouse owners and others whose businesses go
through customs control.

Revenue
In a statement signed by CSC Abubakar Usman, Public Relations Officer said The command has recorded remarkable feat in the areas of revenue
collection and trade facilitation in the outgone by collecting a total of
One trillion, one hundred and seventy-two billion, four hundred and
fourteen million, seven hundred and ninety-three thousand, nine
hundred
sixty naira and thirty-two kobo
(N1,172,414,793,960.32) in the year 2023 which is over N149.8b
above the revenue collection of N1,022,530,523,699.40 in 2022.
and
Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba
said the 2023 collection is 14.6% higher than 2022 figures of
N1,022,530,523,699.40
Under Comptroller Jaiyeoba’s watch, the command made N11.3b daily
collection on November 22, 2023 which is the highest daily collection
recorded in the history of the NCS. In the same vein, the command recorded
N145b revenue collection in the month of October 2023 which represented
the highest monthly revenue collection by any customs command.
ANTI SMUGGLING/ENFORCEMENT
Edit
In the area of anti-smuggling within the period under review, the command
made fifty-four (54) seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N22,847,295,900.00
These seizures were made due to infractions like contravention of our extant
import /export prohibition lists. false declaration. unlawful concealment and

These seizures were made due to infractions like contravention of our extant
import/export prohibition lists, false declaration, unlawful concealment and
others. A break-down of the seizures comprise of prohibited items such as
used clothing, foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, tomato paste, etc.

Comptroller Jaiyeoba has sounded a note of warning to smugglers and
traders involved in any form of illegality that Apapa Port is a no-go area as
any attempt to test our resolve will be met with seizure of their wares, arrest
and prosecution of suspects in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service
Act (NCSA) 2023.
SISTER AGENCIES COLLABORATION
The Controller, since his assumption of office has ensured stronger
collaboration with sister government agencies like the NPA, police, NDLEA,
NAFDAC, DSS, NAQS, Port Health Service and others in the area.
According to him, “We understand the dynamic nature of maritime related
crimes and have resolved to keep working together while trying to think
ahead of criminal elements who may want to use Apapa Port. The
collaboration has yielded gains in our individual services and ensuring Apapa
port remains safe for port users”.
STRATEGIC STAKEHOLDERS MEETING
The CAC, since assumption of office has ensured that our various
stakeholders like importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight
forwarding operators and other port users are being regularly educated on
the need to be compliant at all times. He reiterated that the command
operates an open-door policy where we meet regularly with stakeholders to
address matters of common interest.
Edit
08:30
The dispute resolution, query and amendment seats have been made more
active to address the needs and legitimate demands of port users too. The
Controller also urged compliant traders to keep up their good deeds while
advising others to emulate the virtue of honesty, noting that integrity is key
to the achievement of 48hrs cargo clearance.
Comptroller Jaiyeoba is seizing this opportunity to solicit the support of every
player in the port system, including haulage operators, terminal operators,

clearing/forwarding agents, and shipping companies towards the
achievement of 48hrs cargo clearance. He said “It is achievable in no distant
time if we all play our roles effectively” according to the Controller.


This command is ready to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute to
Nigeria’s economic growth.
As we begin the new year, the command is urging port users to always make
sincere declarations, keep themselves abreast with import and export
prohibitions with a view to abiding by them and paying their customs duties
at all times.
The CAC thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, MFR, and his Management Team for providing us with the enabling
environment to discharge our duties effectively.
Comptroller Jaiyeoba extends his special appreciation to officers and men of
the Command for their relentless efforts, our esteemed stakeholders and
members of the media for their unwavering support.
He believes that together we have recorded great strides in blocking areas
of revenue leakage and ensuring Apapa Port remains a shining example
among its peers in Nigeria and the West African subregion.
thmaray