The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s Murtala Muhammed Airport Command brought in N45.23 billion in income during the first quarter of 2024, a 111.7% rise over the N21.3 billion brought in during the same time in 2023.
This was revealed by Customs Area Controller Comptroller Mohammed Yusuf during a Monday briefing at the command, as the NCS declared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“A total of N45,232,483,538 was collected as revenue for the first quarter of 2024 by the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, indicating a 111.7% increase when compared to the N21.3 billion collected in the first quarter of 2023,” a portion of the tweet stated.
Yusuf added, “The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to meeting its revenue targets, enhancing public safety, and supporting the federal government by minimizing smuggling and promoting legitimate trade in 2024, despite global economic challenges and unstable exchange rates.”
“Nigeria is not immune to the many global challenges that await us in 2024; the volatile exchange rate has a negative impact on significant economic sectors.”
“Furthermore, we at the Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed Airport, are committed to making sure that we collect the necessary funds for the Federal Government and that we safeguard the security and welfare of our citizens by minimizing smuggling and facilitating lawful import and export trades,” Yusuf concluded.
Comptroller Yusuf also disclosed noteworthy developments in the Nigeria Customs Service’s anti-smuggling efforts at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command.
He reported that major seizures, including fifty rounds of live 9mm ammunition, were made as a result of a cooperative operation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Furthermore, in the first quarter, efforts yielded the seizure of 1,164 kg of sea cucumbers, 58 kg of donkey genitals, and 17 packages of Tramadol, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N5.79 billion. Yusuf emphasized that the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023 was broken by the commodities, which is why they were seized.
Yusuf stressed the Command’s commitment to improving cooperation, addressing common problems, and maintaining an open door policy in relation to stakeholder participation.
He expressed gratitude to sister agencies and important stakeholders for their cooperative attitude, which has greatly aided the Command in carrying out its mandate to uphold the law and protect the economy.
