The Nigeria Customs Service, Muritala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC), generated N80.3 billion in the first half of the year.

The area controller of MMAC, Michael Awe, told journalists in Lagos on Tuesday that the amount doubled the N38.7 billion revenue generated in the first half of 2023.

He said the additional N41.6 billion difference represented a 107.5 per cent increase compared to the revenue generated in the same period last year.

Mr Awe attributed the increase in revenue generation to the support from the comptroller-general of customs, Bashir Adeniyi and his management team.

He said the difference recorded in revenue collection was made possible by officers’ resilience in ensuring that agents made proper declarations and strict adherence to import/export guidelines in tandem with existing laws.

In the area of anti-smuggling, Mr Awe said officers were not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade regulations.

“The command made the following seizures: five packages of 250 mg tramadol, 12 packages of 225 mg tramadol, and one package of 50-round 9mm live ammunition.

“Other seizures include 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers, three packages of dried donkey male genitals, and 55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifles.

“The cumulative duty paid value (DPV) of the aforementioned items stood at N6.06 billion.

“These items are seized mainly because of various forms of infractions, which range from false declarations, non-adherence to import/export guidelines, and failure to comply with other extant regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023,” Mr Awe said.

The MMIA customs boss said the command recorded N266.6 million of exported goods within the period under review, with a FOB value of $204.59.

Mr Awe commended officers for their dedication to fighting smugglers, urging them to adhere strictly to the rules of engagement while discharging their statutory duties.

(NAN)