By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Port Harcourt I Area Command has announced its revenue performance from January to August 2024 to the tune of N142.45 billion.
According to Comptroller Mustapha Hashim, the Customs Area Controller, the figure marks a 105 per cent increase from the N69.2 billion collected in the same period of 2023.
Mr Hashim acknowledged that the achievement was despite a slight decline in August’s revenue, with N11.32 billion collected, attributing it to the federal government’s directive on zero-duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemptions for essential food items such as wheat and corn.
“Without these exemptions, the Command would have recorded revenue of over N26.23 billion in August,” he explained.
Comptroller Hashim expressed confidence in surpassing the Command’s yearly revenue target, noting the command’s ongoing efforts to optimise revenue streams and explore new opportunities.
He also announced that the command intercepted N550,000,000 worth of illicit drugs at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
According to Comptroller Hashim, the seizure, which occurred on September 2, 2024, involved nine packages of Tafradol-200mg, a brand of Tramadol.
“The consignment, originating from India and arriving via Lufthansa Airlines from Frankfurt, Germany, contained 54,289 tablets of Tramadol.
“The packages, falsely declared as medical equipment, were detected by customs officers based on intelligence.
“During the operation, a customs licence agent responsible for the shipment was arrested. Both the suspect and the illicit drugs were taken into custody for further investigation.
“The seized drugs will be formally handed over to NDLEA for further investigation and safekeeping.”
He also issued a stern warning to those involved in smuggling, reiterating that the Nigeria Customs Service has been equipped with advanced technology and well-trained personnel to intercept such illegal activities.
He added that the service will work towards ensuring that it meets the set target for the 2024 financial year.