SEME CUSTOMS HITS THE BULL’S EYE, RAKES IN N2.63BN AS REVENUE, N35.19BN FROM EXPORT
By Mcanthony Onuoha
As Customs Area Controllers align with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ directive to render periodic reports of their activities to members of the public for transparency, Seme Customs Area Command on Tuesday, 28th of May,2024, rolled out an impressive revenue record for January – May, 2024.
The Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, in a press release he personally issued to the media, stated that the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post were delighted to present the successes they have recorded so far.
The Command said it has collected a total of N 2, 634, 190, 645.53 from January to May 26, 2024. This amount, according to the Command, surpasses that of 2023 within the same period by 272%.
Under export activities, the Command said it facilitated 143, 468 Metric Tonnes of export produce, with FOB value of ₦35, 199, 971. 097.7 only which is equivalent to ($38, 461, 397.39). The NESS value paid is ₦174, 518, 464.82 only. While a total of 406 SGDs were utilized from January to May 26, 2024 for export alone.
On anti-smuggling, Comptroller Bomodi said,
“Our Enforcement unit sustained its anti smuggling momentum at all nooks and crannies of the Command. This onslaught translated into Four Hundred and Seventy-Four (474) interception of various contraband items within the period under review. These items include: PMS: 12,448 Jerrycans x 30 litres each which is equivalent to eight (8) Tanker Loads. Rice: 6,467 Bags of 50kg, which is equivalent to 10 Trailer Loads. Vehicles: 15 used vehicles. Cannabis: 1, 251parcels of cannabis sativa.
We note that there has been a marked increase in the illegal importation of Cannabis from Ghana and different methods have been used by criminals in their effort to beat our officers all of which has been neutralized.”
Other seizures include : Wild Animal: 20 Live Parrots, 2 Honey bad, 2 Pelican Birds, 404 Live tortoises.
General Merchandise: 3, 023 items.Codeine: 149 Packages. Used Tyres: 45 Pieces.The seizures has a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦840, 003, 646.00.
“A total of Eighteen (18) suspects were also arrested in connection with these seizures, Eleven (11) of them were granted administrative bails, three were handed over to NDLEA for further agency action, One was handed over to the Nigerian Police, while four suspects are still in our custody.”
“Also recently arrested is a notorious smuggler whose reign of terror in this area has come to an end and will be made to face the full wrath of the law”, the Comptroller disclosed.
Furthermore, he assured that the Command has set-up a complaint desk to address issues concerning the molestation of females on the corridor. “We strongly frown at any act endangering the health and well-being of the vulnerable population of border stakeholders who go about their normal and legitimate businesses daily. Stringent action shall be taken against any officer of any agency found guilty of molesting any female on this corridor.”
“Lastly, we would like to appreciate the profound cooperation of other government agencies in ensuring the peace, safety and security of our borders. Special mention will be made of the effort of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us in this battle. Their unwavering support is crucial and we applaud their patriotic effort.” Comptroller Bomodi stated.
