The Nigerian Customs Service, Kebbi State Command, generated thirty-six million, two hundred and twenty-three thousand, five hundred and fifty-four naira, fifty kobo (N36,223,554.50) in the third quarter of the year.
The Command’s Comptroller, Iheanacho Earnest Ojike, while addressing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, said that under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Command has actively contributed to the process of reopening the Tsamiya-Sebgana border, which proposes a one-stop border post.
“A one-stop border eliminates unnecessary documentation and non-tariff procedures, enhancing trade facilitation,” Ojike explained.
He noted that although various challenges, such as low import volumes through the Kamba border, have affected the Command’s revenue generation efforts, it has nonetheless managed to generate ₦36,223,554.50 in the period under review.
“As our efforts continue to yield positive results, we expect steady growth in the Command’s revenue in the coming months,” he stated.
Regarding anti-smuggling efforts, the Command recorded significant successes as officers intensified their efforts to curb smuggling activities within Kebbi. Seizures during the period included 367 bales of secondhand clothing, 16,300 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 74 cartons of various medicaments, eight 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice, and 180 pieces of donkey skin, bundled in nine sacks.
Other confiscated items included two 35kg containers of Oxidized Nitric Acid, one DAF truck, and a Toyota Corolla used for conveyance.
The Comptroller also disclosed that five suspects were arrested in connection with these seizures, and they have been granted administrative bail, in line with constitutional provisions, pending further investigation and trial.
He stated, “The Duty Paid Value of the seized items stands at three hundred and twenty-three million, sixty-five thousand, five hundred and sixty-seven naira (₦323,065,567). These seizures were made possible through the combined efforts of our field officers, Intelligence Unit, Patrol team leaders, other relevant units, sister agencies, and public-spirited Nigerians who provided intelligence.”
Acting in line with the Comptroller General’s policy of consolidation, innovation, and collaboration, the Command handed over 180 pieces of donkey skin and 74 cartons of various medicaments to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), respectively.
Ojike also warned smugglers and their networks that the Command’s officers are well-prepared and equipped to thwart all smuggling activities.
“We urge them to desist from these illegal acts. Kebbi State must be free from all smuggling activities.”