Seme Customs Generates N1.160bn Revenue in Two Months

... Confiscates Smuggled Goods Worth N365,888,696

By Kathy Kyari

The Nigerian Customs Service's Seme Customs Command has achieved significant progress in just two months, amassing N1.160 billion in revenue, apprehending 13 suspects, and making seizures totaling N365,888,696.00 in Duty Paid Value.

At a press briefing conducted at the Seme-Krake Joint Border Post on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, revealed this as he highlighted the excellent work done by the command since January 2024.

Bomodi gave details about how the Command generated income, engaged in exports, and combated smuggling.

He claimed that in spite of the difficulties, the Command's commitment, cooperation with other organizations, and unwavering pursuit of its mission had been essential in protecting Nigeria's borders and advancing legitimate trade.

Comptroller Bomodi stated that the Seme Area Command was assigned a revenue generating assignment for the current year that amounted to 7.875 billion Naira, a significant increase above the aim set for the previous year.

Bomodi declared that the Command brought in a respectable sum of money in spite of difficulties like the drop in imports brought on by high currency rates.

He went on to say that the customs officers' diligence and effectiveness were demonstrated by the 1,160,988,897.30 Naira that was collected in just January and February of 2024.

Comptroller Bomodi reported that, concerning exports, the Command had handled 184 export declarations for a variety of goods, amounting to 65,185.96 metric tons with a noteworthy FOB value. The Non-oil Export Stimulation Scheme (NESS) and export surcharge also brought in money, which boosted the Command's income source.

”In the light of our present economic realities, where massive food shortages have been reported across the country, and in line with the directive to ensure grains are not exported illegally, the Command made a seizure of a truckload of beans, totaling four hundred (400) bags with a DPV of Sixty One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (₦ 61,450,00.00), stockpiled in a warehouse at one of the exit corridors in the border. This item has since been deposited in the Government warehouse for safekeeping and eventual sale to the public" he said.

"In the same vein, the continuous surveillance of the border by our officers and men has resulted in the interceptions of Four Hundred (400x30liters) of PMS equivalent of 12,000 literswith a DPV of Eight Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Seven Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Naira ( ₦8,347,680 ) in the early hours of Saturday, 2nd March 2024 along the creeks. The PMS seized will be auctioned in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of sales of seized perishable items as directed by the Service".

Bomodi reported that the Command's anti-smuggling activities had produced remarkable outcomes, with 168 interventions resulting in notable seizures.

He claimed that the items seized totaled 365,888,696.00 Naira in Duty Paid Value and included imported parboiled rice, petroleum goods, cars, general merchandise, drugs, and guns. In relation to these seizures, thirteen suspects were taken into custody, demonstrating the Command's dedication to maintaining border security and thwarting illegal activity.

He credited frequent joint security briefings at the Joint Border Post and efficient cooperation with other law enforcement organizations for the Seme Area Command's operational effectiveness.

He underlined how crucial information exchange between sister organizations is to accomplishing goals related to border control.

The Controller promised that the Seme Area Command, as the primary organization for border security and trade facilitation, continues to be watchful in the face of changing threats from criminals.

He reaffirmed the Command's dedication to carrying out its duties and guaranteeing the continuation of a strong defense against unauthorized activity at the border.

"These are trying times for the Nigeria Customs Service as criminals get more desperate and daring, we at Seme /Krake Joint Border post will ensure the sustainability of a formidable defense”.