Nigeria’s  Exports Through Tin Can Port Hits Over N1.3 Trillion in Six Months As Customs Generates N575 Billion

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A total value of commercial goods  exported by the Nigeria between January and June 2024, through the Tin Can Island Port stands at  One Trillion,Thirty Two Billion, Six Hundred and One Million, Forty Four Thousand ,Seven Hundred  and Seventy Four Naira( N1,032,601,044,744.00).

The Port, also, within the period under review, yielded the sum of over N575 billion as customs revenue collections.

This represents an improved revenue of over N315 billion against about N 260 billion generated during the corresponding period in 2023.

The Area Controller, Tin Can Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, Comptroller Deraa Nnadi, who disclosed this at a press briefing on Friday, July 12, 2024 noted that a total of 489,594 .50 MT of goods were exported through the Port as against 291,436 metric tones within the same period in 2023.

According to him, Soya beans was the highest export commodity with a value of over N92 billion.

Correspondingly, self adhesive was the lowest export with a value of a little over N17 billion.

Comptroller Nnadi stated that the increase in revenue were as a result of the dedication and unwavering commitment of the  Service in the areas of revenue  generation, trade facilitations, and a robust   enforcement of anti-smuggling rules.

The Tin Can Port NCS Comptroller, disclosed that the Command has been uncompromising in the pursuit of its  anti-smuggling activities which has led to a considerable  number of seizures within the first half of 2024.

“Customs being the lead Agency at the Ports through its Enforcement Unit has coordinated several 100% physical examinations under my supervision in collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure that the command is freed of any form of non-compliance with the international trade cycle.

“Some of the items seized include three plastic drums concealing several packets of cannabis Indica, forty six bags containing two thousand ,one hundred and seventy two kg imported from Canada..

“The approximate street value of the illicit substances is N,3,216,000,000,00.”

Comptroller Nnadi informed that in all, about nine billion Naira worth of seizures were made within the period under review.

He expressed satisfaction with the abilities of the Command in stopping the injection of large quantities of arms, ammunition, and dangerous drugs into  Nigeria’s system.

The NCS Tin Can Command Comptroller, also, appreciated critical stakeholders in the system for the giant strides made.

“We continue to express our appreciation for the  support and clear sense of direction from the Comptroller General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Management of Nigeria Customs Service for their relentless and continuous efforts towards strengthening the capacity of the Service, and introducing innovative methods to perform its statutory responsibilities in line with international best practices .

“I also appreciate the contributions of my Management team, as well as officers and men of the Command.” Nnadi stated.