Customs Generates N1.172trn From Import In Apapa Port In 2023

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Friday, said it generated N1.172 trillion from import into Lagos Port from January to December, 2023.
Customs Area Controller, Compt. Babajide Jaiyeoba, said the 2023 collection was 14.6 per cent higher than the 2022 figures, a press statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar, indicated.
Also, contraband worth N22.84 billion were seized in the year under review, while a daily collection of N11.3 billion and a monthly collection of N145 billion was recorded.

“The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has kept the tempo of improved revenue collection by crossing the N1trillion mark in the face of declined trade volume, promoting trade facilitation and sustaining its anti-smuggling activities to protect the nation’s economy. In 2023, the command lived up to its mandate by ensuring an enabling trading environment for importers, exporters, shipping companies, terminal operators, bonded warehouse owners and others whose businesses go through customs control.”
“The command has recorded remarkable feat in the areas of revenue collection and trade facilitation in the outgone year by collecting a total of N1.172 trillion in the year 2023 which is over N149.8b above the revenue collection of in 2022. Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba said the 2023 collection is 14.6 per cent higher than 2022 figures.”

“Under 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.”
Usman also disclosed that contraband worth N22.84 billion were seized in the year under review.
“In the area of anti-smuggling within the period under review, the command made 54 seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N22.84 billion.

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

“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.”
The PRO further stated that the command’s Compt solicited for the support of all player in the port system, including haulage operators, terminal operators,
clearing/forwarding agents, and shipping companies towards the achievement of 48 hours 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.”

“Comptroller Jaiyeoba further 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.”