Customs Recovers N72.4 Million from Importers, seizes contraband worth N1.72b in Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, has recovered N72.4 million from importers and clearing agents who underpaid customs duty at Lagos seaports.

Comptroller Kola Oladeji, the Customs Area Controller, disclosed this at a press briefing in Lagos. He stated that the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, has implemented various trade facilitation measures to enhance revenue collection and economic growth.

According to Oladeji, the unit issued Demand Notices (DN) to recover the funds due to irregular declaration of consignments. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 to prevent revenue leakages.

In addition to the recovered revenue, the unit intercepted smuggled goods valued at N1.72 billion in the past month. The seized items include:

• 3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven truckloads)
• 27 used vehicles (tokunbo)
• 494 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (14,820 litres)
• 27 bales of second-hand clothing
• 95 bags of charcoal
• 3,643kg of Cannabis Sativa

Six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

Oladeji emphasized that FOU ‘A’ has intensified border surveillance in southwestern states to curb smuggling and enforce government policies. He credited the success of the unit’s operations to its “Swift Sting Operations” initiative and the dedication of officers.

“The achievements recorded were not without sacrifice. Our officers work tirelessly, patrolling and surveilling borders to ensure compliance with trade regulations,” he said.

Oladeji highlighted Customs’ ongoing efforts to simplify trade processes, including the introduction of Time Release Study (TRS), Advance Ruling, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) scheme.

“These initiatives have boosted investor confidence and improved customs operations,” he noted.

To enhance efficiency, the unit has merged some patrol teams in Lagos, aiming to reduce trade barriers and create a more business-friendly environment.

Customs reaffirmed its resolve to combat illegal cross-border activities while educating the public on the economic impact of smuggling.