The Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic revenue generation of N575,505,612,804.59 in the first half of 2024, marking a 221.13% increase from the N260,256,942,120.69 generated in the same period in 2023.
This significant increase of N315,248,670,683.90 was announced by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, during a media briefing at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) secretariat. Nnadi highlighted that this achievement aligns with the Service’s statutory functions of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement/anti-smuggling activities.
“In the first half of 2024, TCIP achieved a revenue collection of N575,505,612,804.59, reflecting an improvement of N315,248,670,683.90 and a 221.13% increase from the N260,256,942,120.69 collected in the first half of 2023,” Comptroller Nnadi disclosed.
The Command also reported impressive export figures, with the total value of commercial goods exported through Tin Can Island Ports reaching N1,032,601,044,744.00 and a total volume of 489,594.50 Metric Tons (MT) in the first half of 2024. This is a substantial increase from the N182,333,764,943.00 and 291,436.00 Metric Tons (MT) recorded in the same period of 2023. Soya beans topped the list of export commodities, valued at N92,059,078,980.00, while self-adhesive materials were the lowest, at N17,560,865.00.
In the area of seizure and anti-smuggling, Comptroller Nnadi highlighted the command’s ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and criminal activities. Significant seizures included three plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, forty-six bags containing 2,144 packets of Cannabis Indica weighing 1,072 kilograms, imported from Canada. The approximate street value of these illicit substances is N3.216 billion. The total Duty Paid Value of all seizures amounted to N8.9 billion.
Nnadi emphasized the importance of these seizures in preventing the distribution of illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition that could wreak havoc in the country. He credited the command’s success to the support from critical stakeholders in the industry, including shipping companies and terminal operators.
“We continue to express our appreciation for the support and clear sense of direction from the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adeniyi, MFR, and the Management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their relentless and continuous efforts towards strengthening the capacity of the Service and introducing innovative methods to perform its statutory responsibilities in line with international best practices,” Nnadi said. He also acknowledged the contributions of his management team and officers, urging them to continue their support for the administration.
This remarkable performance by the Tin Can Island Port Command showcases the NCS’s commitment to enhancing revenue generation and maintaining security at Nigeria’s ports.