Customs Generates N28.9bn, Intercepts Live Ammunition From Lagos Airports

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Wednesday, announced that it generated N28.9 billion from cargoes imported into the country through the airport between January and February.

By this, the command said it surpassed its January and February, 2024, revenue target.

Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Yusuf, also disclosed that the command  intercepted 50 pieces of 9mm live ammunition.

He, however, described the interception and revenue collected as a result of the synergy and compliance from both Officers and stakeholders operating at the command.

“In the month of January 2024 the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command generated a total revenue of  N14.75 billion. This figure exceeds the Command’s monthly target which is N11.98 billion by 23.1 per cent. Similarly, for the month of February 2024, the Command collected a total revenue of N14.24 million thereby surpassing the Command’s monthly average target of N11.98 billion by 18 per cent

The expected target for the months of January and February 2024 is N23.96 billion while the generated revenue for January and February 2024 is N28.9 billion reflecting a geometric increase of N 5.03 billion representing an increase of 20% of the expected target.

“In addition to the revenue generated, a lot of other anti-smuggling activities were also carried out that led to the interception of 50 pieces of 9mm live ammunition which was discovered in a joint examination conducted by the Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while two suspects were arrested and detained pending further investigation,” he said in a statement, adding that the command intercepted 1,164kg of Sea Cucumbers and 58 kilograms of Donkey Genitals.

In the area of protecting wildlife and endangered species, 1,164kg of Sea Cucumbers and 58 kilograms of Donkey genitals were intercepted. Given the recent revenue exploits of the Command the CAC charged Officers and men to remain resolute in other to justify the confidence reposed on the Service by the federal government and also to meet the expectations of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in the areas of maximum revenue collection, legitimate trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling.”

Furthermore, he applauded officers and men of the Command and other sister agencies for their cooperation while describing Customs’ relationship with them as excellent which is geared towards achieving government goals.