The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced it generated ₦277.5 billion in import duties for the month of August, showcasing its dedication to revenue maximization. The NCS Spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, revealed this during the monthly news conference organized by the Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) in Abuja on Thursday.
In addition to import duties, the NCS collected ₦15.8 billion in excise duties, further demonstrating its commitment to optimizing revenue. Maiwada highlighted the service’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling, resulting in significant seizures across various commands.
“In August, the NCS recorded 83 seizures, including 170,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 3,083 bags of foreign rice, 1,014 parcels of cannabis sativa, 23 vehicles, and other contraband items, with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦975,066,791.65,” Maiwada said.
He added that the service has ramped up its “Operation Whirlwind” (OPWW) initiative, particularly in border states, to curb the smuggling of petroleum products. The operation led to the interception of seven PMS trucks, the closure of 12 retail outlets, and the seizure of 466,000 litres of PMS, along with 23 vehicles.
“Investigations have resulted in the prosecution of seven suspects, while three marketers have been fined by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Additionally, the sealed filling stations have been handed over for further action,” he said.
During the same briefing, Nigeria Police Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi warned the public against arms dealers who backdate firearm licenses to circumvent the country’s ban on firearms.
“The ban on firearms in Nigeria is still in place, and backdating licenses is fraudulent. Don’t fall for these schemes, as they will only lead to criminal charges,” Adejobi cautioned.
He added that the police would intensify efforts to crack down on the illegal possession of firearms nationwide. He also noted that 97 members of the proscribed Shiite group had been arrested following their recent confrontation with the police, in which two officers were killed. Adejobi warned that attacks on security personnel while carrying out their constitutional duties would not be tolerated.
