Apapa customs generates  N784.8 billion Naira in eleven months 

It added that it recorded a seizure of thirteen (13) containers of contrabands within November worth N285 million in November 2021 alone.

This is contained in a statement by the command on Tuesday.

Among the seizures was 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed on vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion which was recorded on two different occasions

The statement added that the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim said some of the seizures were based on clear contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of  Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004.

Comptroller Malanta hinted that notable among the seized items are hard substances like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, Foreign parboiled rice, Tomato paste, Used clothings among others

His words, “We will not sacrifice proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared item.

“Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest
management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port.

“While appreciating our compliant traders for keeping to the rules of
engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates
of import/export guidelines, I would like to warn perpetrators of illegalities
that our officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of unlawful trade” Comptroller Yusuf said.

On cargo examination, the Controller insisted, “At this juncture, let me reiterate our resolve on meticulous examination of all cargoes coming in and out of Apapa port to curb the menace of illicit trade.

“I once again want to urge importers of non prohibited items to make sincere declarations, pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid losing their investments and facing prosecution” he said.

On revenue generated in the command between January and November 2021 stood at N784.8 billion even as he maintained that the sum of N89.7 billion generated in November, 2021 alone was unprecedented

This remarkable feat he said was as a result of improved inter agency synergies, enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of revenue leakages.

He added that the command remained resolute to contributing to the actualisation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) agenda in the area of increase in revenue collection and non compromise
for smuggling.