The Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command in Onne, Rivers State realised N54.992 billion in revenue in the first (Q1) of 2023.
According to the Command Controller, Comptroller Baba Imam, this amount realised is part of the N336 billion revenue projected for 2023.
Imam revealed this information while addressing journalists in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.
This represents an increase of N1.133 billion when compared to the amount generated in the first quarter of 2022.
Imam revealed that the command made several seizures, which he stated is a reflection of their commitment to facilitating only legitimate trade in accordance with extant laws.
The seizures included 24 containers carrying refined vegetable oil, two containers carrying 1,165 cartons of Analgin injection and fireworks, and one 20ft of machete that was detained on documentation grounds until an end-user certificate was provided.
The duty-paid value of the seized containers was N94,652,168.39 million, while the duty-paid value of the seized vegetable oil containers was N833,172,538.42.
Imam stated, “In revenue generation, the command was given a target of N336 billion as revenue target for 2023.
“As of today, the command has generated a total revenue of N54, 992,123, 687.15 billion which transits to 16.3 per cent of the target. When compared to the same period last year, the Command has an increase in revenue of N1,132, 925, 556.82bn.
“This figure was realized in spite of not having vessels berth in Onne Port for some time due to the election atmosphere. We look forward to a continuous rise in revenue generation in the coming months as we expect vessels to berth on our coastline within the next few weeks.”
Speaking further on the command’s anti-smuggling activities, he said within the past few weeks, there has been a lot of seizures.
“This is made visible with the display of a total number which comprises 26 seized containers and one detained container for violation or contraventions of various customs laws and breach of procedures as provided under the revised import prohibition guidelines Schedule 3 Article 4 of the Common External Tariff 2022-2026 as well as Section 46 paragraph (b), (d), (e), (f) and 169 of Customs and Excise Management.
“Twenty four containers laden with refined vegetable oil comprising a total of 24,860 gallons of 25 and 10 litres of La-Jonic vegetable oil. Also seized were other two containers laden with 1,165 cartons of Analgin injection and fireworks with other items.”