Kebbi Customs Command Records N13.3 Million Revenue, Seizes Goods Worth N84.2 Million in One Month
The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported generating N13.37 million in revenue and seizing contraband goods valued at N84.2 million within one month, despite the challenges posed by border closures and smuggling activities.
The Comptroller of Customs, Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, made this disclosure during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, 20 March 2025.
In his opening remarks, Comptroller Nwokorie expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve and thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the Kebbi Command.
He also commended the officers and stakeholders whose dedication and cooperation have contributed to the Command’s recent achievements.
“It is exactly 42 days since I took over the leadership of this Command from my predecessor, Compt. Ojike (Rtd). On that day, I made a firm commitment to enhance revenue generation and collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and tackle smuggling aggressively but reasonably,” Nwokorie stated. “Today marks the beginning of the fulfilment of that commitment and pledge.”
Despite the closure of the Tsamiya/Sebgana border, which left Kamba as the only authorised and official border, the Command managed to generate a total of N13,378,002 within one month.
Comptroller Nwokorie credited this achievement to strengthened collaboration with the Nigerien Customs Authority, which ensured a seamless flow of cross-border trade.
“For those involved in legitimate business, you have a friend and supporter in the CGC,” Nwokorie said. “He has charged us to do all we can, without compromising existing laws, to support and facilitate every legitimate trade.”
Nwokorie urged stakeholders and traders to take advantage of the trade facilitation initiatives introduced by the CGC, noting that the aim is to elevate stakeholders into “stakeowners.”
The Comptroller emphasised that the fight against smuggling remains one of the Command’s core mandates.
Through intelligence sharing, strengthened collaboration with sister agencies, and increased field operations, the Command recorded significant seizures within the last month.
The intercepted contraband items include: 145 bales of used second-hand clothing, 13,750 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 114 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 20 cartons of new light cigarette, 70 cartons of Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuits (expired), 27 cartons of Sunwatt (AA) dry battery (expired) and 40 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each).
The total duty paid value (DPV) of the seized items amounts to N84,219,654.
On the smuggling of petroleum products, Nwokorie revealed that the Command confiscated 13,750 litres of PMS valued at N5,500,000.
He added that the seized fuel would be auctioned to the public, with proceeds remitted into the Federal Government’s account.
“Smuggling, considering the peculiar nature of our borders, cannot be entirely eradicated. However, through collaboration with the NDLEA, NAFDAC, NPF, NSA, NIS, DSS, NA, and other agencies, we are working to reduce it to the barest minimum,” he affirmed.
To foster stronger relationships and improve intelligence sharing, Comptroller Nwokorie disclosed that he and his management team have paid courtesy visits to sister agencies stationed in Kebbi State.
These visits aimed to reinforce operational synergy and enhance mutual support. “I have also toured the border stations, starting from Kamba to Doleikaina, Bagudo, Maje, and Lolo, to inspect operational areas and assess the challenges faced by our officers,” Nwokorie said.
Reiterating his commitment to the mandate of the CGC, Comptroller Nwokorie stressed that the Command would continue to implement strategic measures to enhance revenue generation, facilitate legitimate trade, and curb smuggling.
“We are here to change the narrative. We will leave no stone unturned as we strengthen the Command’s operations, improve on identified gaps, and ensure that the right strategies are in place,” he declared.
Nwokorie concluded by thanking the press and stakeholders for their support and emphasised the importance of collective action in achieving the Command’s objectives.
“This is my mission and my bond – to heighten our revenue generation, support legitimate trade, strengthen our partnerships with sister agencies, and combat smuggling. I shall not fail the CGC, the Service, or the nation!” he vowed.
