Nigeria ‎Customs generates N2.3bn from Ogun-Benin borders

Operatives of Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun state area command have disclosed that the command generated over N2.3 billion from Republic of Benin-Ogun state borders, majorly from Idi-Iroko borders between January and April. The command also impounded 449 sacks of Indian hemp in Imeko area of the state.

According to the statistics, the command’s revenue grew by N371 million to N2.3 billion  in Ogun state within the period under review when compared to a revenue of over N1.9 billion made by the same command during the same period in the year 2014. The command also made 361 seizures with the duty payable value of N319 million as against 485 seizures with duty payable value of N508 million in the same period last year.

Speaking in Abeokuta over the weekend on the activities of Ogun state area command, Haruna Mamudu, Ogun Area Command Controller, said that Ogun State Area Command would have made more revenue for government from imports, but for the deplorable condition of roads in the idi-Iroko axis which prevents free flow of imports through the axis of the state.

Mamudu however, expressed confidence that once the roads connecting Nigeria to the neighbouring country of Benin were fixed, there would be an appreciable increase in the revenue generated on imports. He added that the introduction of ECOWAS free trade zone policy had also increased level of compliance in terms of legal importation exercise.

Meanwhile, cannabis sativa packaged in 359 parcels and 90 sacks weighing 1,259kg which were intercepted by officials of the Nigeria Customs command at Imeko axis, in Imeko-Afon local government area, we’re later handed over to the officers of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the presence of the press in Abeokuta.

Taking delivery of the hard weed some of which were already processed and packaged for exportation, Abdullahi Sardauna, Principal Officer, Public Affairs, NDLEA, appreciated the Customs controller and his men for the assistance in intercepting the hard drug.

RAZAQ AYINLA