Kebbi Customs Command Records Milestone in Revenue Generation, Anti-Smuggling Efforts for Q3 2024
The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has recorded significant milestones in revenue generation and anti-smuggling war during the Third Quarter of the year 2024.
Speaking during a media briefing held at the Kebbi Area Command headquarters, Comptroller of Customs, Ihenacho Ernest Ojike detailed the commendable achievements, highlighting the Command’s concerted efforts across revenue generation, trade facilitation, and robust anti-smuggling initiatives aimed at sustaining economic stability in the region.
Comptroller Ojike expressed gratitude for the steady progress achieved, noting the Command’s resolve to execute its core mandates.
“We have made remarkable strides in revenue generation, facilitated legitimate trade, and intensified anti-smuggling activities,” he said, emphasising the importance of interagency collaboration and the strategic role of stakeholders in promoting economic compliance.
Despite challenges, including a reduced volume of imports via the official Kamba border, the Command generated an impressive total of N36,223,554.50 during the quarter.
To enhance understanding of customs protocols, the Command engaged extensively with stakeholders, holding meetings with trade communities to promote compliance and discourage imports detrimental to public health and the Nigerian economy.
In alignment with Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s directive, efforts to reopen the Tsamiya-Sebgana border for a “one-stop” customs processing are underway.
This initiative, according to him, is expected to streamline documentation and reduce trade barriers, thereby enhancing revenue mobilisation and trade efficiency.
Ojike noted, “We are hopeful these strategic actions will see continuous growth in the Command’s revenue figures in coming months.”
Comptroller Ojike noted that, in a move to address the illicit outflow of petroleum products, the CGC Adeniyi created the special ‘Whirlwind Team’, tasked specifically with curbing petroleum smuggling.
This team, powered by targeted intelligence, has significantly disrupted the illegal smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) outside Nigerian borders, a practice that exacerbates fuel scarcity domestically.
Highlighting the team’s impact, Ojike commended their swift efforts, showcasing the confiscated PMS as evidence of their success.
He remarked, “We are determined to prevent the hardship that fuel scarcity inflicts on our people, and the economic strain it creates.”
Ojike disclosed that the Kebbi Command’s anti-smuggling unit, working alongside sister agencies and community informants, achieved notable successes.
Key seizures made in Q3 2024 include: 367 bales of second-hand clothing, 16,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 74 cartons of medicaments, and 8 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice.
Other seizures made include: 180 pieces of donkey skin in 9 sacks, 2 containers of Oxidised Nitric Acid (35kg each), one DAF truck and a Toyota Corolla as conveyance vehicles.
In addition to the seized items, five suspects linked to these smuggling activities were apprehended.
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the confiscated goods stands at N323,065,567.
The Command remains committed to rooting out smuggling in the state, with Comptroller Ojike warning potential violators that Kebbi would not tolerate such activities.
In a show of interagency cooperation, Ojike said the Command will transfer 180 pieces of donkey skin to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) and 74 cartons of medicaments to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for proper management.
He extended gratitude to the media, partner agencies, and patriotic citizens who contribute intelligence towards combating smuggling.
“We appreciate the collaboration that enables us to achieve these outcomes,” he concluded, reaffirming the Command’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
