Customs Generates N1.172 Trillion From Imports At Apapa Port In 2023

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced on Friday that it generated N1.172 trillion from imports into Lagos Port between January and December 2023.

In a press statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Usman Abubakar, he stated that the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Babajide Jaiyeoba, highlighted that the 2023 collection marked a 14.6% increase compared to the figures in 2022.

Contraband worth N22.84 billion was seized in the year under review, with a daily collection averaging N11.3 billion and a monthly collection reaching N145 billion.

“The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has maintained improved revenue collection, surpassing the N1 trillion mark despite a decline in trade volume. It has prioritised trade facilitation and sustained anti-smuggling activities to safeguard the nation’s economy. In 2023, the command fulfilled its mandate by ensuring an enabling trading environment for importers, exporters, shipping companies, terminal operators, bonded warehouse owners, and others involved in customs control.”

“The command achieved significant milestones in revenue collection and trade facilitation in the past year, collecting a total of N1.172 trillion in 2023, surpassing the 2022 revenue collection by over N149.8 billion. Customs Area Controller Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba stated that the 2023 collection is 14.6% higher than the figures recorded in 2022.”

“Under Compt. Under Jaiyeoba’s leadership, the command achieved a daily collection of N11.3 billion on November 22, 2023, marking the highest daily collection in the history of the NCS. Similarly, the command recorded N145 billion in revenue collection in October 2023, representing the highest monthly revenue collection by any customs command.”

Usman also disclosed that contraband worth N22.84 billion was 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 issued a warning to smugglers and traders involved in any form of illegality that Apapa Port is a no-go area. Any attempt to test our resolve will be met with the 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 Comptroller solicited the support of all players in the port system, including haulage operators, terminal operators, clearing/forwarding agents, and shipping companies, towards achieving a 48-hour 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 urges port users to always make sincere declarations, keep themselves abreast of import and export prohibitions, and abide by them, 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.”