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The Murtala Muhammed Area (MMA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a 94% revenue increase compared to the same period in 2023.
During a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, Comptroller Michael Awe, disclosed that the Command generated N144.2 billion in revenue from Customs duties and other charges between January and October 2024, surpassing the N74.28 billion recorded during the same period last year.
Comptroller Awe also highlighted the Command’s robust anti-smuggling operations, which resulted in the seizure of goods valued at N3.32 billion between July and October 2024. The intercepted items, which violated the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023, included military hardware, Canadian cannabis sativa, live turtles, Tramadol Hydrochloride (200mg and 225mg), pangolin scales, and porcupine quills.
He attributed the Command’s success to several strategic measures: “To boost revenue collection, we facilitated legitimate trade and curbed smuggling. The Command implemented initiatives such as streamlined clearance procedures, enhanced cargo inspection and examination, improved intelligence gathering and sharing, collaboration with other security agencies, and regular stakeholder engagements,” he explained.
The Comptroller emphasised that the achievements were underpinned by enhanced trade facilitation, improved stakeholder compliance, effective law enforcement, and strategic deployment of resources. Additional contributions came from interagency collaborations, efficient cargo clearance processes, and intelligent risk management strategies.
Comptroller Awe expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team for their unwavering support. He also commended the officers and personnel of the MMA Command for their dedication and hard work in achieving these milestones.
