By Zika Bobby
The Kano/Jigawa Area Command under Comptroller Dauda Chana of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved the collection of N102,503,573,383.31 as total revenue for 2024 with success in anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation
The revenue collection according to a release by Customs Public Relations Officer, Saidu Nuruddeen, also showed 94% variance when compared with the 2023 collection. He said the command’s strategic approach to revenue collection, which integrates innovative policies, enforcement mechanisms, and available technology, has proven highly effective. This approach, he said, combined with enhanced border security operations that prevent smuggling and other illicit activities, has fortified the integrity of the revenue collection system. Also, effective stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with local communities, businesses, and international partners, has fostered trust and cooperation. These concerted efforts, Nurudeen said, have culminated in significant and sustained revenue growth, thus consolidating the command’s pivotal role in economic development and national security.
The command also realised N235,290,320 as duty paid value from its intensified anti-smuggling operations, making notable seizures, including: 136x50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, 238 cartons of spaghetti, macaroni and couscous; 534 cartons of foreign non diary creamer milk, 210 kg of kola nuts and about 552 bales of second hand clothing and 191 blocks of compressed blue cannabis handed over to the NDLEA.
Also, 74,870 tablets of Tramadol hydrochloride tablet and 280 blocks of Indian Hemp were handed over to the NDLEA including 5,066 cartons of foreign GIV soap and 58 pieces of used tires. A total of 1,290 packs of expired/fake pharmaceutical products, one sack of 750 pieces of Otrivin bottle of 15ml each were handed over to NAFDAC.
The command also intercepted 2,231kg of pangolin scales earlier and then followed up with 2,179 kg, and arrested one suspect in Mubi, Adamawa State, in a joint operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The combined total stands at 4,410 kg of Pangolin scales arrested.
The command also fostered strong relationships with sister security agencies, leading to collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges, coupled with a proactive engagement with terminal operators, licensed agents, and market associations has facilitated trade and improved compliance. Chana expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their support as he acknowledged the contributions of sister security agencies and critical stakeholders in achieving these results.