Customs Area Command Reel Out 2024 Scorecard, Target More Revenue

Murtala Muhammed Area Command, (MMAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service says it will generate the sum of Three hundred and Fifty-Eight billion naira (#358,000,0000,000) being the target for the year 2025.

The MMAC Controller, Comptroller, Michael Awe who was briefing Journalists on the Command’s scorecard for the year ended 2024 in Lagos State, promised to leverage on innovation and technology to drive home their targeted revenue generation for the year 2025.

While reeling out its scorecard for the year ended 2024, the achievement showcasing a comprehensive overview of the command’s performance and the commitment to enforcing customs laws and regulations, facilitating trade and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

He disclosed that the command achieved a significant milestone in revenue generation to the tune of; One hundred and Eighty billion, Seven hundred and Forty million,Seven hundred and Eighty-six thousand, Eight hundred and Forty-four naira, thirty-six Kobo (#180,750,786,844,36) in 2024 as against Ninety billion, Four hundred and twenty-six million, one hundred and eighty-five thousand, Four hundred and Forty-seven naira,one Kobo only (#90,426,185,447.01) that was generated in 2023, which shows an increase of Ninety billion, Three hundred and Twenty-four million, six hundred and one thousand, three hundred and ninety-seven naira, thirty-five Kobo only (#90,324,601,397,35k), representing 99.89% increase.

According to the Controller, The revenue target for the year 2024 was One hundred and Seventy-nine billion, Seven hundred and thirty nine million, two hundred and Forty-One thousand , Five hundred and twenty-six naira, Thirty-six Kobo only (#179,739,241,526.36) while the command generated a total revenue of One hundred and Eighty billion, Seven hundred and fifty million, Seven hundred and Eighty-six thousand, Eight hundred n Forty-Four naira, Thirty-six Kobo only (#180,750,786,844,36k) which shows an increase of One billion, Eleven million, Five hundred and Forty-Five thousand, Two hundred and Twenty-Two Naira only (#1,011,545,222,00) representing 0.56% increase for the entire year. This feat demonstrates our commitment to excellence and our constant dedication to enforcing government fiscal policies.

Anti-smuggling

Comptroller Awe stressed that “the Command in the relentless pursuit of safeguarding the nation and protecting its citizens against illicit trade, adding that the command made significant seizures of the following:

21 packages of 225mg Tramadol hydrochloride, 50 round 9mm Live Ammunition, 54 packages of Military Hardware, 46 packages of dried sea cucumber, 3 packages of dried donkey male genitals, 55 pieces of jojef tomahawk semi-automatic rifle, 50 packages of dried Canadian Cannabis, 225 pieces of drones, 250 pieces of turtles, 1 package of pangolin skin and 1 package of porcupine, thorns, mineral stones”.

He stated that the seized items have a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Ten billion, Five hundred and Eleven million, Eight hundred and Eighty-Nine thousand, Seven hundred and Ninety-Nine naira only (10,511,889,799).

These seizures are a testament to the command’s keen commitment to enforcing Customs laws and regulations.

Stakeholders’ engagement 

He further explained that the command maintained an open door policy, engaging with stakeholders, sister agencies and the media to resolve issues of common interest. This synergy has been instrumental in our success , and we appreciate the support and cooperation we have received from our stakeholders.

The controller assured that moving forward, the command will continue to innovate, strategize and block loopholes to ensure we meet our revenue targets and remain committed to facilitating trade while enforcing Customs laws, regulations and upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

Comptroller Awe expressed his sincere gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their support and encouragement while also commended the hard work and dedication of the officers who have made these achievements possible.

He equally applauded the stakeholders and sister agencies for their cooperation and compliance to extant laws while also appreciating the media for their continuous support and partnership in disseminating accurate information.

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command Controller prayed for a better year, that will be filled with new opportunities and great successes for everyone, while he expressed confident that, with continued support of the stakeholders and the dedication of the officers, the command will achieve greater heights this year and beyond.

Olusola Akintonde