The Tincan Island command of the Nigeria Customs Service generated over N274.3 billion in the first half of this year, according to its Area Controller, Mr Adekunle Oloyede.
This is an increase of 27.5 percent from last year’s revenue of N229.3 billion, a development Oloyede attributed to the increase in export activities between January and June ending.
The Controller said that export cargoes that passed through the command were 138,246 metric tons as against 100,500 metric tons during the same period in 2021.
Oloyede said that the command also scaled up its enforcement and anti-smuggling activities.
During the period, the command seized 145 kilogram of colorado (Indian hemp), 206,000 pieces of machetes, 640 bales of used clothes and 236,500 pieces of used shoes.
Others are 62,500 pieces of new lady’s shoes, over 1.6 million pieces of chloroquine injections, over 1.8 million pieces of Novalgen injection, 48,850 rolls of cigarettes and 23,800 tins of sodium bromate and baking powder.
These were besides seizures like motor batteries, cars, trucks arms and ammunition.
Oloyede said that importers of four units of Mack truck heads, Toyota Sequoia 2008 model, Mercedes Benz GL450 2008 model and one Toyota 4Runner 2011 models forged his signature to facilitate clearance.
He said the eagle eyes of his officer detected his signature was forged. He promised that the suspects would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent.
The Controller gave an assurance that the capacity of officers would be strengthened through training and retraining for them to put in their best. He also promised that the Command would continue to provide a conducive environment for trade through constant engagements with relevant stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
