NCS MMA Command Posts ₦97 Billion Q2 Revenue, Seizes Wildlife and Firearms

The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMA) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported revenue generation of ₦97.1 billion for the second quarter of 2025, representing a 20.92 percent increase compared to the ₦80.3 billion collected during the same period in 2024.

Comptroller Michael Awe, Customs Area Controller for the MMA Command, disclosed the performance figures at a media briefing held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Awe attributed the growth to enhanced operational strategies, strengthened compliance among stakeholders, and closer engagement with importers, exporters, and licensed customs agents operating at Nigeria’s busiest airport.

Awe noted that sustained collaboration and information sharing with stakeholders have been critical to surpassing revenue targets while ensuring more efficient cargo processing and trade facilitation.

In addition to its revenue performance, the Command recorded notable anti-smuggling successes during the first half of 2025.

Items intercepted included 18 pieces of Tippmann Semi-Automatic Calibre Mag-Fed Paintball Markers, 32 empty Tippmann Tank Cylinders, and 20 pieces of ballistic helmets. The Duty Paid Value (DPV) for these items stands at ₦18.3 million and ₦2.6 million respectively.

The Command also intercepted 75 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3,765 kilograms with an estimated DPV of ₦772.3 million. The total DPV of seizures in the period under review amounted to ₦792.7 million.

Two live pangolins were rescued from an attempted smuggling operation and handed over to conservation authorities for relocation to a safe habitat in Oyo State.

Awe stated that the Command’s improved surveillance, intelligence gathering, and commitment to robust enforcement were instrumental in curbing unlawful trade and protecting endangered species.

“These seizures were the result of robust intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance, and the unwavering dedication of our officers,” he said. He added that the recovered paintball firearms had been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.

The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on smuggling and pledged to intensify the enforcement of applicable trade laws to safeguard Nigeria’s economic and environmental interests.

The Customs boss highlighted the impact of stakeholder cooperation and commended compliant traders for their support.

He urged the media to continue reporting responsibly on Customs activities to enhance public awareness of the Service’s mandate.

In a move to foster stronger inter-agency collaboration, the MMA Command also hosted a sporting competition in the second quarter. The event featured football, badminton, volleyball, table tennis, and draft to promote fitness, mental alertness, and teamwork among officers and partner agencies.

Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Jonathan Dajal, praised the NCS for its role in preventing illegal wildlife trade and reiterated NESREA’s commitment to prosecuting environmental crime offenders.

Chairman of the MMA Command of the National Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Ashiru Balogun, commended the Command’s efforts and urged the government to consider allocating a share of revenue to customs brokers to support capacity development within the sector.

Awe reaffirmed that the Murtala Muhammed Area Command remains dedicated to revenue generation, trade facilitation, and the protection of Nigeria’s borders in line with the reform agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.