The Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service said it collected a total of N973.54 million in the month of October 2014.

The figure, findings revealed, is the command’s highest monthly revenue collected in the year 2014 as it also made 24 seizures with duty paid value (DPV) of N32 million comprising rice, frozen poultry products and other goods.

Customs area controller in charge of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, who described the revenue collection feat as a product of increased compliance by stakeholders and non-compromise by customs officers, promised to continue making the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans-border illegalities.

“I wish to reiterate our resolve to maximally collect all revenue due to the government through Customs duty with continuous improvement in the blockage of all identifiable sources of revenue leakages,” Egbudin said.

Disclosing that the command has commenced intensified patrols ahead of the yuletide season when smuggling activities are expected to be at its peak, the Seme controller said the smugglers, who changed route to other areas like Shaki in Oyo State and Idiroko in Ogun State, are not finding it easy as the Customs operatives there equally matched them strength for strength, seizing their wares and crushing their unlawful investments.

“In carrying out the directives of our Controller General, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, I have constantly sensitised and reminded our officers and men on the zero tolerance for smuggling stance. On this, there is no going back. We are sending a strong warning to smugglers that daring us means a venture into big regrets.

“We are ready to deploy our logistics for intelligence, interdiction, arrest, seizure and diligent prosecution of suspects,” Egbudin warned.

He further informed that his command would continue to apply the strategy of enlightenment and sensitisation with all stakeholders and keep dissuading them from smuggling and other border related unlawful activities.

Egbudin further assured all members of the trading public and travelers across the border that customs personnel presence at strategic and approved points are also to assist in facilitation of legitimate trades and promote the state of security at the border and transit routes into Lagos.

•Adapted from LEADERSHIP. Photo shows Customs Seme Area Comptroller Willy Egbudin.