The Tincan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported a revenue generation of N575.5 billion in the first half of 2024, marking a significant improvement over the previous year’s performance. This increase represents an additional N315.24 billion, reflecting a 221.13% rise from the N260.26 billion generated during the same period in 2023.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, announced these figures during a media conference at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) secretariat in Apapa, Lagos on Friday.
He emphasized that the command’s operations over the past six months have been closely aligned with the statutory functions of the Service, focusing on revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement/anti-smuggling activities.
“As of today, July 12, the command has generated N627 billion and has been set a target of N1.403 trillion. This demonstrates the significant efforts made towards meeting our targets,” said Nnadi. He also highlighted the alignment of TIPC’s operations with the theme of the 2024 International Customs Day, “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”\
He added that, the total value of commercial goods exported through Tincan Island Ports in the first half of 2024 was N1.032 trillion, with a total volume of 489,594.50 metric tons.
This marks a substantial increase compared to the first half of 2023, which recorded an export value of N182.33 billion and a total volume of 291,436.00 metric tons. Soya beans emerged as the highest export commodity, valued at N92.06 billion, while self-adhesive was the lowest, with a value of N17.56 million.
In enforcement and anti-smuggling activities, Nnadi reported that the command’s has been actively combating smuggling and other forms of criminality.
He said several significant seizures were made during the period under review, including several rifles and pistols, including RZ17HD, GAMO, and TAURUS models, one used Toyota Corolla with chassis number 5YFBURH1EP09601: 2014 model, a variety of high-quality shotgun cartridges and other ammunition, three plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, weighing 1,072 kg, imported from Canada, with an approximate street value of N3.216 billion, and 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium tablets, with a total street value of N964.33 million. The total Duty Paid Value of all the seizures amounted to N8.9 billion.
The CAC stressed that the significance of these seizures lies not just in their monetary value, but in the prevention of illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition from entering the country.
Nnadi attributed the command’s successes to the support of critical stakeholders, including shipping companies and terminal operators, and praised the guidance and support from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the NCS management.
He also commended his management team and the officers and men of the command for their dedication and urged them to continue supporting the administration’s efforts to achieve even greater heights.
