Generates over N240Billion in 2 Months 14 Days
‘Clearing Agents must follow due diligence by knowing their Customers true identity’-Abubakar
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Nigeria Customs Service, TinCan Island Port Command has successfully seized 11 rifles, 6 pistols, ammunition, other illicit drugs suspected to be Heroine which are concealed in a container through Collaboration with sister agency- Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA).
Speaking with journalists at a briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters on Friday 15 March 2024 to showcase the successes recorded as a result of collaboration with sister agencies and also to hand over the seizures made, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi disclosed that the identity of the source of the seized items will be kept secret because investigation is still ongoing.
According to him, “Anti-smuggling drive has yielded the following result: one 20P 9964 Rifle; another 20P 9964 Rifle; one Pump Action Rifle; one Practical Tactical 30H 80011922 Rifle; another 20P 992 Rifle; two AV Pump Action Rifle; and yet another P10115 Rifle.
“In total, we seized 11 Rifles and six Pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.
“We also seized psychotropic substances imported into the country but were intercepted through collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“The seizures is further in support with the effort of Federal Government to keep the nation safe. The conveyors of the products intends to use them for nefarious activities that include support to insurgency, kidnapping activities and other vices that are inimical to the well-being and security of the nation,” he stressed.
On revenue generated, Comptroller Nnadi said the Command has recorded the sum of two hundred and forty Billion, three hundred and two million naira(N240,302,000,000) revenue between January and March 14, 2024. This surpassed expected monthly revenue target of ninety four million naira(N94,000,000) which amounted to one hundred and Eighty -Eight Million Naira(N188,000,000) expected to be generated for two months – January and February 2024.
While expressing gratitude to Men and Officers of the Command, Comptroller Nnadi affirmed that the feat was realizable due to their diligence and efforts adding the Command surpassed expected revenue for the month of January 2024 by 107% and with 141% for the month of February 2024. “Which indicates the Command keep improving monthly,’ he said.
On the Command’s engagement with stakeholders, he noted that the Command has received increased support from Stakeholders since he took over baton in September 2023 till date as six new bonded terminals have opened up in TinCan Port Command which indicates that they have embraced the new reforms that were instituted in TinCan.
“Our target is to introduce Corporate Governance in our business in TinCan and we will not relent in delivering quality service to our Port Users until it becomes more competitive with the rest of the Port in the sub region,” he emphasized.
Also speaking at the briefing, Commander Narcotics TinCan Island Port Command for National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), Muhammed Aminu Abubakar, stressed the need for all security agencies to safeguard the security of Nigeria Borders and enjoined all clearing agents to follow due diligence by knowing their Customers’ true identity.
“It is a Clarion call for this to be achieved. The clearing agents, in the process of looking for greener pasture, unknowingly collaborate with those drug traffickers by allowing their conveyance to be used by anonymous people. The rules of having the bill of laden entitles the clearing agents to ownership of whatever they are clearing out of the Port. They should try to know their customers, to avoid being responsible for what they know nothing about. It will shield you away from any responsibility but when you are unable to produce the owner of the shipment then you bear the consequences. So it is ideal for clearing agents to do their diligence regarding the customers they used. Those involved tried using third party, by claiming anonymous, there is no accurate details about those importing all these arms and ammunition. Clearing agents should endeavor to know their Customers well,” he advised.
