Customs seizes N8.43bn contraband in 6 months at Apapa, Tin Can
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa and Tin Can Island commands say they have seized 92 containers of pharmaceuticals, rice, vegetable oil and other contraband with Duty Paid Value (DPV) worth over N8.43 billion.
The area controllers disclosed this while addressing members of the House of Representatives on Customs and Excise who visited the commands on an oversight visit in Lagos.
The Controller, Apapa Area Command, ACG Malanta Yusuf, disclosed that their command seized the 75 containers with DPV of N8.1 billion in six months, while the Controller, Tin Can Island Command, AAS Oloyede, said they seized the 17 containers in different operations.
Speaking when the committee visited the command earlier, the Controller, Apapa Area Command, said, the seized items included 32 containers of wood, 18 containers of used clothing/shoes; five containers of pharmaceuticals; seven containers of vegetable oil; and five containers of rice.
The rest were three containers of soap/cream; three containers of tomato paste; one container of wet blue leather; and one container of scrap metal.
According to him, perishable food items were disposed through humanitarian agencies for distribution to IDPs and persons affected by disasters and other emergencies as directed by the federal government.
The zonal controller added that industrial items were disposed to indigenous manufacturers to encourage local production and curb smuggling.
On his part, the controller, Tin Can Island Area Controller, Comptroller AAS Oloyede, represented by Deputy
Controller Administration, Hassan Kidda, while addressing members of the committee on Tuesday, said, the 17 containers seized contained vehicles, used tyres, lady’s shoes and other prohibited items with a DPV of N42.78 million.
He also said the command collected N266.294bn as revenue between January and June 28, 2022 despite challenges and reduced import and cargo handling.
He said: “So far, we have achieved 80% of our half-year target which is N332 billion. This is in spite of drop in cargo throughput due to hike in transportation cost and increase in exchange rates as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Meanwhile, members of the committee have demanded the list of people behind the incessant importation of arms, ammunition as well as other dangerous contraband into the country.
The chairman of the committee, Leke Abejide; deputy chairman, Miriam Onuoha; Ado Sani Kiri, and other members gave the directive after an observation about the devastating effects of illicit drugs on young people and the country.