TheNigeria Customs Service(NCS), Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, announced on Wednesday, that its operatives intercepted 250 live turtles, Canadian Cannabis Sativa, and military equipment valued at over N3.32 billion in the last three months.

The Area Controller, Micheal Awe, stated that the command generated N72.2 billion between January and October this year, compared to N74.28 billion recorded during the same period in 2022.

The contraband items were imported into the country from Canada and Turkey, among other countries, between July and October this year.

The seized items included 23 walkie-talkies, 175 military helmets, and 50 drones.

Additionally, the confiscated goods comprised seven packages containing 200mg and 225mg of Tramadol Hydrochloride, 1.5 kg of pangolin scales, and 0.2 kg of porcupine quills.

The efforts to combat illicit trade, Awe said: “Yielded impressive results, with total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items amounting to N3.32billion between July and October 2024. The seized items contravene some of the provisions of the extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.”

Speaking on the revenue generated by the command, he announced a 94 per cent increase in import duties of the command which generated N144.2billion.

Awe attributed the amount generated to enhanced trade facilitation, improved stakeholder compliance, effective law enforcement, strategic resource deployment, interagency collaboration, efficient cargo clearance and intelligent risk management strategies.

“The NCS under my leadership, during the period under review from January to October 2024, generated revenue worth N144.2billion from Customs duties and other charges. In comparison to the revenue collected in the same period in 2023 which stood at N74.28billion, this clearly shows a progressive difference of N69.9billion, depicting a 94 percent increase,” he said.

Moving forward, Awe added that the Command will enhance trade facilitation measures, strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, improve stakeholder engagement, and leverage technology for efficient operations.

“I express appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their unwavering support in carrying out official tasks effectively. Similarly, I hail officers and men of the command for their hard work and dedication towards achieving this great feat.

He also recognised the contributions of stakeholders, mostly, the importers, exporters, and clearing agents for their cooperation and compliance with extant laws. (The Nation)