By oluwaseyi Adediran
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In a significant breakthrough, the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive haul of contraband worth over N3.32 billion at the Lagos airport.
The seized items include 250 live turtles, Canadian Cannabis Sativa, and military accoutrements, which were imported into the country from Canada and Turkiye between July and October 2024.
According to the Customs Area Controller, Compt. Micheal Awe, the command generated N144.2 billion between January to October 2024, representing a 94% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The amount generated was attributed to enhanced trade facilitation, improved stakeholder compliance, effective law enforcement, strategic resource deployment, interagency collaboration, efficient cargo clearance, and intelligent risk management strategies.
The seized items also included 23 pieces of Walkie Talkies, 175 pieces of military helmets, 50 pieces of drones, seven packages of 200mg & 225mg of Tramadol
Hydrochloride, 1.5kg of Pangolin Scales, and 0.2kg of Porcupine Pins. These items contravene some of the provisions of the extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.
Compt. Awe attributed the success of the command to the implementation of 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.
The Customs boss assured that moving forward, the Command will enhance trade facilitation measures, strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, improve stakeholder engagement, and leverage on technology for efficient operations.
He expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their unwavering support in carrying out official tasks effectively.
In a similar development, the Nigeria Customs Service has also intercepted military hardware and other contraband at the Lagos airport in recent times. The command has been working tirelessly to combat illicit trade and smuggling, and the recent seizures are a testament to their efforts.
It’s worth noting that the Nigeria Customs Service has been generating significant revenue for the government, with the Lagos airport command being one of the highest contributors.
The command’s efforts to boost revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade, and curb smuggling are commendable, and their success is a reflection of their hard work and dedication.
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