The Murtala Muhammed Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its impressive performance for 2024, highlighting a record-breaking revenue generation of ₦180.75 billion and significant strides in anti-smuggling operations.
In a statement by the Command’s Controller, Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe, the revenue generated exceeded the ₦179.73 billion target for the year, marking a 0.56% increase over the target. Compared to the ₦90.43 billion generated in 2023, the Command achieved a remarkable 99.89% growth, translating to an additional ₦90.32 billion. Comptroller Awe attributed this success to the Command’s commitment to excellence, fiscal policy enforcement, and innovative strategies.
The Command also recorded notable achievements in anti-smuggling, seizing contraband goods with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦10.51 billion. Items confiscated included:
21 packages of 225mg Tramadol Hydrochloride
55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifles
54 packages of military hardware
225 drones
50 packages of dried Canadian cannabis
Exotic wildlife items such as turtles, dried sea cucumbers, and pangolin skin.
Comptroller Awe emphasized that these seizures reflected the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the nation against illicit trade and protecting citizens from harmful goods.
The Controller highlighted the Command’s open-door policy, which facilitated seamless collaboration with stakeholders, sister agencies, and the media. This synergy played a vital role in achieving the Command’s successes.
In his remarks, Comptroller Awe expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for his support, as well as to officers, stakeholders, and the media for their contributions. He assured the public of continued efforts to innovate, block revenue leakages, and uphold professionalism.
As the Command look ahead to 2025, Comptroller Awe expressed optimism about surpassing current achievements through enhanced strategies and sustained stakeholder cooperation.
