Apapa Customs garners N213b revenue in Q1 2023
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Apapa Area Command yielded N213 revenue into the coffers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the first quarter of the year spanning January to March 2023 (Q1 2023).
NCS Area Controller Auwal Mohammed, who made the disclosure, said 144 million tablets of Tramadol worth N22 billion enroute Nigeria from India in March were also intercepted.
He explained the tablets were in 225mg, each weighing 10.3 tonnes, and were concealed in 40 feet containers.
“It is pertinent to mention that on Friday, 31 March, 2023, we uncovered a large quantity of 225mg of tramadol tablets concealed in 2x40ft container numbers TRHU 4758549 and TRHU 6936803 where 144m tablets of Tramadol 225mg were discovered in 720 cartons weighing 10.3 tons that originated from India. This single seizure is valued at N21.6bn,” Mohammed said.
He disclosed the command in Q1 2023 also processed for export, agricultural products like sesame seeds, ginger, hibiscus, mineral resources, steel ingot, and others, weighing 110, 448 tonnes.
“Statistics from the export show that the exported goods are worth N70 billion. Which is equivalent to free on board value of $159 million.”
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14 containers of contraband seized
Mohammed said the command seized a total 14 containers of prohibited items, which “include vegetable oil, footwears, used clothing, unprocessed wood and tramadol with a duty paid value of N22 billion.”
He disclosed the command has commenced manhunt for those behind such unlawful importations, per The PUNCH.
“Very soon we will track them down to face the full wrath of the law. As a service, we owe Nigerians the duty to prevent this kind of importation from entering the market to safeguard the health of the citizenry.”
He said since he assumed duty as Apapa Customs Controller in January, he has held meetings with various stakeholder groups comprising importers, exporters, licensed agents, and fright forwarders.
“In this command we have a deliberate culture of inter-agency collaboration with other government organisations. Within the first three months, I have enjoyed robust sharing of credible intelligence and support from other agencies of government.”
