Lagos Port Customs Hits Record-Breaking N1.04trn Revenue

Lagos Port Customs Generates Historic N1.04trn in Revenue

“As of November 7, 2024, the Tincan Command generated one trillion....”

Nigeria Customs Service generates record-breaking revenue, combating counterfeit goods and promoting economic growth.

The Tincan Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made history by generating a whopping N1.046 trillion in revenue from January to October, a first in over four decades of operation. This achievement is a testament to the command's hard work and dedication.

According to Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the success can be attributed to the unwavering support of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi and the NCS leadership. Nnadi emphasized that maintaining secure and efficient border operations has been instrumental in driving this impressive revenue growth. The command's focus on capacity-building for officers and stakeholders, as well as the deployment of ICT, has optimized efficiency and contributed to this remarkable achievement.

Tincan Island Command has consistently demonstrated impressive revenue growth. In 2023, the command collected over N716 billion, exceeding its target of N801 billion. For 2024, the command has set an ambitious target of N1.103 trillion, with plans to generate over N90 billion weekly. With this momentum, it's likely that the command will continue to break records.

Key Highlights:

° Historic Revenue Milestone: N1.046 trillion generated from January to October

° Revenue Growth Drivers: Secure and efficient border operations, capacity-building, and ICT deployment

° 2024 Revenue Target: N1.103 trillion

° Weekly Revenue Goal: Over N90 billion

“As of November 7, 2024, the Tincan Command generated one trillion. forty-six billion, four ninety-six million naira for the federation Account,” Nnadi stated.

Beyond its impressive revenue achievements, the Tincan Command has also reported seizing 16 containers of illegal drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical items, valued at approximately N4.1 billion. These shipments, originating from countries such as India, the United Kingdom, and Canada, included controlled substances like codeine syrup and tramadol. The seized items also included 420 cartons of Royal 225, a potent painkiller, and 341.025 kg of Cannabis Indica with a street value of ₦682 million.

Seizures:

Codeine-based cough syrups

420 cartons of Royal 225, a potent painkiller

341.025 kg of Cannabis Indica

200 cartons of benzhexol tablets

The Command's efforts to combat illegal importation have been supported by collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). With the festive season approaching, Comptroller Nnadi assured compliant stakeholders of timely cargo processing and warned those intending to contravene Customs regulations of strict enforcement measures.

Comptroller Nnadi highlighted the successful collaboration between Customs officials, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in inspecting containers. This joint effort showcases the power of interagency cooperation in protecting public health and safety. By working together, these agencies can more effectively combat illicit and counterfeit products, ensuring that only safe and genuine goods enter the market.

The collaboration is particularly significant given NAFDAC's mandate to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale, and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, and chemicals. This joint operation demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding Nigerians from harmful products.

Benefits of Interagency Cooperation:

Enhanced Public Safety: Joint efforts help prevent harmful products from entering the market.

Improved Efficiency: Collaboration streamlines the inspection process and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.

Increased Accountability: Interagency cooperation promotes transparency and accountability in regulatory efforts.

By pooling their resources and expertise, Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC can better address the complex challenges of combating counterfeit and illicit goods, ultimately protecting the well-being of Nigerian citizens.

“The 16 containers were discharged between May 17 and October 23 while Countries of Origin of the intercepted illicit drugs are India (Barcadin, Diclofenac Tablets, Benzhexol, CSP with Codeine, then (BiomalArtesunate Injection) from United Kingdom and (Cannabis Indica) from Canada.

“The 16 40ft containers were inspected by multiple enforcement agencies including Customs, NDLEA, and NAFDAC.

“We also recall that on October 2, 2024, the command officially handed over 684 packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing a total of 341.025 kg. with an estimated street value of N682 million.

“These narcotics were discovered in three 40ft containers Nos: MSMU 518030/2, MSMU 602957/0, and FSCU 927461/3), as part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination,” Nnadi said.

Michel Ofoyeju, Narcotics Commander at NDLEA's Tincan Island Command, commended the collaborative efforts with Customs, leading to the swift seizure of illicit drugs. He reaffirmed NDLEA's zero-tolerance stance on smuggling, cautioning traffickers that prosecution is inevitable. Currently, NDLEA has over 50 major traffickers in custody, with 37 recent convictions involving 330,835 kilograms of illegal drugs.

Dangiri Ukashat, Assistant Director at NAFDAC, highlighted the agency's pursuit of Level Four regulatory status. Achieving this milestone would boost local pharmaceutical production, reduce reliance on imported drugs, and curb the influx of unregulated products into the market. This aligns with NAFDAC's strategic plan to ensure only quality food, drugs, and other regulated products are manufactured, exported, imported, advertised, distributed, sold, and used.

Comptroller Nnadi emphasized the importance of strict compliance, promising expedited cargo processing for compliant traders during the upcoming holiday season. This collaborative effort demonstrates the agencies' commitment to safeguarding public health and security.

Additional Highlights:

NDLEA's Anti-Smuggling Efforts: Over 50 major traffickers in custody, 37 recent convictions

NAFDAC's Regulatory Pursuit: Achieving Level Four status to promote local pharmaceutical production

Compliance Benefits: Faster cargo processing for compliant traders during the holiday season.