Kwara: Customs Generates N2.5bn, Seizes 120 bags of mined lithium
The Kwara Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service said it generated ₦2,527,531,290 and seized items worth N₦478million within two months.
The Acting Customs Area Comptroller (Kwara Command), Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi made this known while addressing newsmen at the Command Headquarters, Ilorin on Wednesday.
According to him, it is important to note that Excise activities remain the only source of revenue collection within the Kwara Area Command.
He noted that the revenue generation supports the government’s fiscal objectives while ensuring compliance within the excise sector.
On anti smuggling crusade, Ogundeyi said some criminal elements have continued to engage in acts of economic sabotage driven by illicit profit and through persistent attempts to smuggle prohibited and restricted items into the country.
“While the Command remains fully committed to enforcing anti-smuggling laws, we equally place strong emphasis on initiatives that promote legitimate trade, economic development, and national prosperity.
One of such policies is the Federal Government’s ban on the importation of foreign parboiled rice, a strategic measure designed to encourage the consumption of locally produced rice, empower local farmers, create employment opportunities, and strengthen national food security.
“In keeping with our commitment to transparency and accountability, we have invited you here today to showcase another set of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Command in the course of their statutory duties.
“These seizures are a clear demonstration of our renewed operational strategy, which is anchored on intelligence gathering, coordinated patrols, and strategic deployment of personnel across identified smuggling corridors.
“Items seized include five (5) second-hand vehicles, intercepted at Alapa Patrol Base and Bode Saadu axis, 60 sacks of second-hand clothing, six (6) jumbo sacks of second-hand clothing, and two (2) bales of second-hand clothing.”
The Acting Area Comptroller said the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seizures stands at Four Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, One Hundred and Seventy-One Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifteen Naira (₦478,171,315.00).
Ogundeyi said Customs would to curb economic sabotage, protect legitimate businesses, safeguard national revenue, and ensure compliance with extant laws governing cross-border trade.
