Kano/Jigawa command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated N10.167 billion in the first three months of the year, 2022.
The Area Comptroller of the command , Muhammad Umar said the N10.167 billion is a great improvement from the N7.6 2021 generated in the corresponding period of 2021.
Umar said; “The differences between this year’s collections of three months with that of 2021, stood at N2.4b which means the Command would achieve its set target.”
Umar stated this during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters Bampai, Kano on contrabands items seized from Smugglers by the enforcement unit of the command.
The items includes: Foreign Rice, Spaghetti, Donkey Skins, Second hand Clothing and other goods.
Umar said “the duty paid valued of the seized items stands at N498.6 million.
” Four persons were arrested in connection with the smuggling of Donkey Skins.
“The quantity of Donkey skin seized is the biggest ever in this country. Donkeys have become endengered specie.”
“I call on all smugglers to leave the illegal business and find a lawful job to do, since there will be no hiding place for them going forward,” he stated.
The Customs boss listed the seized items as; ” 1, 031 bags of 50kg foreign rice worth N29, 822,000.00; 151 cartons of spaghetti worth N3, 171,000.00; 91 cartons of macaroni worth N1, 638,000.00; 1,237 cartons of foreign mayor soap worth N16, 108, 000.00; six bags of 25kg foreign rice worth N120, 000.00; 132 bales of second hand cloths worth N9, 825, 000.00; three bags of Donkey penni’s worth N29, 084,000.00.
Other seized items are; “50 cartons of foreign matches worth N150, 125.00; 15 cartons of milky non diary powder worth N111,235.00; 22 sacks of rubber shoes worth N510, 263.00; a truck used for conveying smuggled items worth N17, 931,000.00; 1X 40 Container worth N810, 000.00
He said the Maigatari border has been opened, which would increase more revenue for the command.
“When I assumed duty, I realised that Maigatari Border was not functioning, I investigated to know what is happening, already I have assigned Personnel to ensure that the border is fully functional and all the needed revenue are collected from there, ” he explained.
Umar stressed that the command has been working with stakeholders to ensure that its core mandate of trade facilitation is carried out without compromising National security.
He said; “Since I assume duty, I have been marketing the Kano command of the Nigeria Customs Service, by telling them that if you bring your goods you are guaranteed of quick delivery.”
On the Kano Free Trade Zone, the Comptroller said he was working with other sister agencies to ensure smooth operations in the area.
He commended the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs, Col. Hamid Ali, rtd, for ensuring good working environment for officers and men despite the harsh economic condition.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
