Timi Bomordi, the Customs Area Controller, shared this exciting news during a press briefing at the command in Seme, Lagos.
In his address, Bomordi revealed that within the specified period, the command played a crucial role in exporting 41,867.88 metric tons, utilizing 1,048 trucks. He said, "The Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme paid N42 million, and the surcharge for the period was N41 million."
In addition, Bomordi declared that the command had not just met but exceeded its N1.966 billion revenue target for the year 2023.
He stated, "By the end of October 2023, the command had collected N3.050 billion, surpassing the allotted target by N1.084 billion, representing a 55.1 percent increase."
Bomordi attributed these successes to the strategic measures implemented by the command's leadership to combat revenue loopholes, working closely with stakeholders to ensure compliance.
Enumerating the contrabands seized during the period, he disclosed, "Other contrabands seized included 168 live parrot birds, 3,805 bags of rice (equivalent to seven trailer loads), 1,756 jerrycans of premium motor spirit (equivalent to 52,680 liters, about two petroleum tankers), 1,379 general merchandise goods, 40 parcels of cannabis sativa, two used vehicles, and three live porcupines, among others."
Bomordi noted that the seized birds are prohibited under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, to which Nigeria is a signatory and six suspects were apprehended in connection with the seizures.
He also confirmed that both the contraband and suspects would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation, emphasizing that the duty paid value of the seized goods alone amounted to N326 billion.
“Bearing in mind the challenges of the joint border patrol as one that is still adjusting to the reality of the border closure. We have to keep faith within government as talks are ongoing at the highest level to regularize the situation,” he concluded.
