“We Have Put Adequate Measures For Ease Of Business, Combating  Smuggling At  MMIA” – Nigeria Customs

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Comptroller of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Michael Toyin Awe,  has said that adequate frame work has been instituted to improve trade  facilitation, enhance revenue collection and effectively control smuggling activities.

This is even as he  announced the collection of over N80 billion in revenue within the first six months of 2024.

A statement issued on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 by the Command’s Spokesperson, Victor Ogagbo, indicated that the Command, also, recorded export of goods worth over N266 million within the period under review.

The over N80 billion revenue generation, represents a marked improvement over the N39 billion realized during the corresponding period in 2023,.

The improvement according to Comptroller Awe was due to the introduction of strategies that enhance World Customs, best practices,.

The strategies in turn have aided the ease of business transactions ,facilitated trade, and reduced cargo clearance time.

“The Command from January to June 2024 was able to collect a total duty of eighty billion,three hundred and fifty one million, two hundred and ninety nine thousand and sixty eight Naira only (N80,351,299,068.00), on Customs and other charges.

“In comparison to the revenue collected same period in 2023, the revenue stood at thirty eight billion, seven hundred and seven million, fifty four thousand, two hundred and sixteen Naira, forty four Kobo only ( N38,707,054,216,44.) which clearly shows a progressive difference of forty one billion, six hundred and forty four million, two hundred and  forty six thousand, eight hundred and fifty one Naira fifty six Kobo only.( N41,644,246,851,56) depicting 107.5% increase.

“The Command, also recorded export of goods with Export value worth of two Hundred and  Sixty six million, six hundred and fifty five thousand, one hundred and thirteen Naira sixty six kobo only( N266,655,133 .66.)from the country from January to June, 2024 with an FOB value of two hundred and four   thousand, Five hundred and ninety seven Dollars, seven Cents.($204,597,07)”

Awe, expressed the Command’s commitment towards sustaining and improving on its revenue generation profile in the second half of the year..

To this end, he appealed for the continued cooperation of stakeholders, adding that the Command will not relent in providing an enabling environment for the promotion of ease of  transactions and trade facilitation.

Similarly, the Comptroller, while appreciating Officers and Men of the Command, called for    continued dedication, particularly in the area of combating smuggling activities.