Customs at Seme generates N9.2bn
.Lauds CGC Ali for support
By Silas Onouha
The Seme Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made outstanding performance in revenue collection, with over N9.2billion generated into the coffers of the Federal Government in 2018.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Garba Uba, disclosed this in a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Saidu Nuruddeen Abdullahi, and made available to Daily Business Update.
According to him, “Seme Customs generated over N6.2billion in 2018, which represents 76 percent of the revenue target given to the Command that year.
He added, “The Command’s Enforcement Unit in aggressive anti-smuggling drive against smugglers and non-compliant stakeholders also effectively combated smuggling activities leading to 1,119 seizures with Duty Paid Value, DPV of over N1.3billion
“The seizures include 37,568 bags of 50kg foreign rice, which is equivalent to over 63 trailers load with DPV of N876,085,760; 1,072 jerrycans of vegetable oil with DPV of N13,675,650; 169 vehicles worth N367,589,475 and 1,570 X 50kg Bags of sugar worth N6,594,000.
“General merchandise 10,439 items, worth N100,773,668; 2,300 cartons of poultry products with DPV of N20,700,000; 168 pieces of used tyres worth N768,600 and
3,954 litres of Petroleum Products worth N217,470. The Grand Total for both seizures and revenue is N9,247,809,065.98.”
He stressed, “The Command also intercepted119 parcels of hard drugs/Narcotics; all successfully handed over to NDLEA. It will delight you to know that one of the suspects (Difo Kenneth Cornelius) who was transferred to the NDLEA Seme Command in August 2018, has been sentenced to two years in prison, (on 30th November 2018) for unlawful possession of 7kgs of Cannabis Sativa”.
Seme Command also made remarkable achievement in Export trade, as total FOB value of goods exported from January to December 2018 stood at N14,612,402,601.07, with total NESS payment of N73,061,986.42.
ETLS- 2, 744 trucks were recorded for the period under review, and the revenue realised (1% CISS) stood at N88,288,514.75. The revenue was generated from importation of Cadbury hot-chocolate, Unilever Blue band, Unilever BBM tub/lid and Binding wires.
A total of 1,078 vehicles were given Lasse Passe from January to December 2018, and e-payment realised stood at N569,411,002.00, under baggage assessment.
Under Anti-Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism, the grand total inward declarations for the year under review stood at 767,102,805CFA Goldbar worth, 2,455,600 Dollars, 25,000 Euros and 2,200,000.00 Naira; thus providing statistical data to the Government as required by law.
He went on, “Under Legal procedures, seven cases are in various stages of prosecution at the Courts for the same period. Three judgements were given in favour of the Command. The successful prosecution of suspects will serve as deterrent to others. In due course, the Command will be a no-go area for such illegalities by economic saboteurs.”
Comptroller Uba re-stated that Seme Command will deploy more strategies to ensure that all revenue leakages are blocked and stakeholders ready to comply with proper procedures/guidelines are adequately sensitised to take advantage of legitimate process in their transactions.
He affirmed that the Command is ready to explore all avenues, in order to ensure that the new target for the year is not only met, but exceeded with the inauguration and resumption of operations at new Joint border Post.
The CAC reiterated his commitment to continue in sanitising the border Command to meet with international standards.
He further warned officers and men of the Command not to compromise, but be committed to implementation of government fiscal policies to enhance economic growth and development.
Comptroller Uba attributed the success of the Command to the commitment and dedication of officers who were ready to sacrifice their lives in the midst of intimidation and threats.
He also acknowledged the administrative support from Comptroller-General of Customs, CGC Hameed Ali and his Management Team.
The CAC further extended his appreciation to all sister agencies both locally and internationally.
