Tin-can Customs Generates Over #230b In 11 Weeks, Intercepts Illicit Drugs, Fire Arms, Other Items

By Sylvanus OBASI, Lagos

The Tin-can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it has generated a whooping sum of two hundred and thirty billion, three hundred and two million, seven hundred and forty-three thousand, twenty three Naira, forty seven kobo (N230,302,743,023.47) for the period of 11 weeks covering January 1 to March 13, 2024. 

The Customs Area Controller of Tin-can Island command, Compt Dera Nnadi revealed this on Friday while briefing newsmen at the command office in Apapa Lagos on the activities of the command.

Giving a breakdown of the revenues collected by the command, Nnadi said, “the command collected a total of Eighty Eight Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty Million, One Hundred and Twenty-Six thousand,One Hundred and Twenty-Two Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo (N88,430,126,122.72) in the month of January 2024, this is 7.89% higher than the value of Forty-Two Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Three Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Thirty-Eight Naira and Eleven kobo (N42,536,336,038.11) for the month of January 2023.

“In the month of February 2024,the command generated One Hundred Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira, Seventy-One Kobo (N100,399,354,887.71) this is 41.82% higher than the value collected on the same period in 2023 which is Forty -One Billion, Five Hundred and Eighteen Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty Nine Naira and Nine Kobo (N41,518,738,649.09).

“In the month of March 2023, the command recorded the sum of Forty-Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Three Million, One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Eleven Kobo (N42,473,262,013.00) collected from 1st – 13th March 2024.

 Speaking further, the customs controller hinted on the the enforcement and anti-smuggling operations of the command. 

According to him, “The command’s anti-smuggling drive has not relented its efforts in any way. Being the lead agency at the port, the Enforcement unit has coordinated several 100% physical examination under my supervision in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure that the command is free of any form of noncompliance to international trade”, he said. 

Adding that the command also intercepted some arms and ammunition which included: 12 pieces of rifles and 6 pistols.

He also listed some of the items seized by the command to include: (a) Two (2) packets of 50pcs of 9mm live ammunition, totaling 100 rounds; (b) Twenty-three packets weighing 23kg of substance confirmed to be heroine marked as follows:  

i. Marked white 999– Ten (10) packets of 1kg each=10kg; ii. Marked white 888– Three (3) packets of 1kg each =3kg; iii. Marked blue Saphire— Eight (8) packets of 1kg each = 8kg;  iv. Marked 777 Bentley— Two (2) packets of 1kg each=2kg.

 Other items found are:  i. Flat screen Television sets; ii. HP printer; iii. Six (6) cartons containing scanner machines; iv. Five (5) empty metal Jerry cans; v. Two (2) washing machines; vi. Three (3) sets of bed frames; vii. One (1) set of living room furniture; viii. Three (3) used micro wave; ix. One (1) used vacuum cleaner; x. Table tennis; xi. One (1) sport bicycle.

xii. Two wooden crates of light fittings; xiii. One (1) wooden crate containing a motorized toy car; xiv. DSTV dish; xv. One (1) used Samsung refrigerator; xvi. Four (4) sets of used sound systems; xvii. One (1) used barbecue grill; xviii. Two (2) used toasters; xix. Three (3) used blenders; xx. Sixteen (16) bags containing used clothes and personal effects.

Addressing journalists after handing over the seized items to relevant agencies, Compt Nnadi attributed the success of his command to the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, and the concerted efforts of his officers which he so much appreciated.

He said, “I sincerely wish to appreciate the  continuous support of the CGC, Bashir Adeniyi, MFR and his management team. Every support from the Service headquarters is  significant in enhancing the Command’s operational activities and contributes largely to its achievements. 

“I also want to use this medium to appreciate and commend the efforts of all officers in rank and file. Your dedication is highly impressive. The efforts of our CIU operatives, Customs Police, Enforcement Unit, amongst other units and other sister security agencies, are appreciated. The role of the gentlemen of the press is also appreciated”, he stated. 

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