In a resounding display of dedication and effectiveness, the Kebbi Customs Command has announced a remarkable revenue accomplishment for the month of July.
With an unwavering commitment to its revenue generation mandate, the Command surpassed expectations by amassing an impressive total of ₦99,282,547, a staggering 113% of its monthly revenue target.
This was disclosed by the Command’s Controller, Dr. Ben Oramalugo at a briefing earlier today.
Despite the challenges posed by recent events, including the border closure due to the situation in neighboring Niger Republic, the Command demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and collaboration.
Through sustained cooperation with relevant units, security agencies at border stations, and proactive engagement with stakeholders and border communities, the Command’s revenue generation efforts yielded exceptional results.
In addition to this notable achievement, the Kebbi Customs Command continues to combat smuggling, a crucial aspect of enhancing revenue generation.
The Command’s vigilant officers and personnel effectively thwarted illegal activities, leading to the seizure of various items. These confiscations include 138 packs of tramadol (225mg), 81 tablets of Cannibis Sativa, a used Toyota Camry 2007 Model used for smuggling, 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each) and 40 bags of rice (25 kg each), 88 bales of second-hand clothing, 4,200 liters of PMS, 525 liters of diesel, 37 kegs of vegetable oil, and more. The total Duty Paid Value of these seized items is valued at ₦51,499,314.
Particularly noteworthy among the seizures is the interception of cannabis sativa and hard drugs with a combined value of ₦22,132,077. This critical achievement reinforces the Command’s unwavering commitment to eliminating harmful substances from the community and protecting the well-being of its citizens.
Recognizing the broader context of regional developments, the Kebbi Customs Command responsibly adhered to ECOWAS sanctions on Niger Republic by closing the border for both import and export activities.
The Command also proactively engaged with neighboring communities through sensitization and orientation visits, fostering understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.
The Command’s recent visit to Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area, held on August 5th, 2023, further underscored its dedication to diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution. This strategic visit aimed to ensure full compliance with border closure sanctions, while also extending empathy and support to the affected communities and stakeholders that rely on Kamba as a vital import/export hub.
The Kebbi Customs Command’s exceptional revenue achievement for July, coupled with its relentless efforts in combating smuggling and maintaining regional cooperation, exemplifies its unwavering commitment to fostering economic stability and security.
Through collaboration and proactive measures, the Command continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests and upholding the welfare of its citizens.
According to him, “In the area of revenue generation, the Command has turned the wheel of focus towards it because it is one of the key pillars upon which Nigeria Customs Service is built.
The Command, in its effort to surpass its last month’s achievement which was affected by festive activities, has devised various means of revenue generation revival.
Though, the Coup d’état in our neighbouring Niger Republic and subsequent border closure of our border with the affected West African country has sharply affected our revenue generation drive, the Command still managed to rake in a whooping sum of ninety-nine million, two hundred and eighty-two thousand, five hundred and forty-seven naira (₦99,282,547) in the month of July alone, which is 113% of our monthly revenue target.
“This remarkable achievement is as a result of sustained synergy with relevant units and other security agencies at border stations as well as routine meetings with relevant stakeholders and border communities, encouraging and orientating them on smooth flow of customs procedures using conventional media and other social media platforms. We are poised to sustain such tempo.
“It is a well-known fact that higher revenue generation is achieved with increase in suppression of smuggling. The Command’s officers and men are on high alert and their morale is high, thus leading to the twenty-eight (28) seizures recorded within the period under review which are listed here under:
“138 packs of tramaking/tramadol (225mg); 81 tablet size of Cannibis Sativa; Used Toyota Camry 2007 Model as means of conveyance; 46 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg each and 40 bags of rice of 25 kg each; 88 bales of second hands clothing; 4,200 liters of PMS and 525 liters of diesel; 37 kegs of vegetable oil, among others.
“The Duty Paid Value of the seized items is fifty-one million, four hundred and ninety-nine thousand, three hundred and fourteen naira (₦51,499,314).
“You may not fail to observe that notable among the seizures are cannabis sativa and hard drugs worth twenty-two million, one hundred and thirty-two thousand, seventy-seven naira (₦22, 132, 077) which will be handed over to NDLEA shortly after this briefing. The seizure of such drugs is in line with the vow we made during our previous press briefing that we are determined to rid Kebbi State of drug inflow and all items capable of causing harm to Nigerians.”
