Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record-breaking revenue achievement and significant strides in anti-smuggling efforts, reflecting the Command’s intensified reforms and commitment to border security.
This was revealed today at a press briefing led by Dera Nnadi, Customs Area Controller, who provided an overview of the Command’s recent activities.
In alignment with the Comptroller General’s policy priorities—Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation—the Tincan Island Port Command dubbed 2024 “The Year of the Stakeholders,” promoting voluntary compliance among importers and other stakeholders.
To date, the Command has generated a historic One Trillion, Forty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Three Naira Sixty Kobo (₦1,046,496,593,103.60) in customs duties, marking the first time this milestone has been achieved in its history.
Dera Nnadi credited this success to the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and other senior officers in the Service, as well as the support of compliant stakeholders.
“Our stakeholders must align with the vision of a new Nigeria,” Nnadi remarked, emphasizing the slogan of the week, “Reform or Regret,” which embodies the Command’s approach to fostering compliance.
The Command also reported on recent enforcement actions, including the seizure of 16 containers carrying contraband goods, such as unregistered pharmaceutical products and illicit drugs.
Among the seized items were substantial quantities of codeine-based cough syrups, Tapentadol, Carisoprodol, Benzhexol tablets, and cannabis. The estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items totals ₦37 billion, with key items valued as follows:
– Tramadol (920 cartons): ₦23 billion
– Codeine (1,894,600 bottles): ₦13 billion
– Cannabis Indica (341 kg): ₦682 million
The containers were inspected by multiple agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as part of a concerted effort to combat illegal imports.
The Command plans to hand over 13 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals to NAFDAC for further investigation and disposal.
As the holiday season approaches, Nnadi assured compliant stakeholders of efficient cargo processing to avoid delays, while issuing a warning to those attempting to circumvent regulations.
“We are ready to enforce the requirements of our law,” he stated, underscoring the Command’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian borders.