By Bon Peters, Port Harcourt
The Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reported generating ₦36.2 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, alongside the seizure of illicit goods valued at more than ₦323 million. The announcement was made by Comptroller Ernest Iheanacho Ojike, Customs Area Controller, in a statement from Birnin-Kebbi.
Ojike highlighted that the command is actively working to boost its annual revenue target, collaborating with trading stakeholders to curb smuggling and ensure compliance with Customs regulations. He noted that the Kebbi Command is also engaging in discussions with traders to promote legal trade, urging against the importation of harmful goods.
In an effort to further streamline cross-border trade, Ojike revealed that the Customs is preparing for the reopening of the Tsamiya-Sebgana border as a “one-stop border post” to simplify trade documentation and reduce non-tariff barriers.
Despite challenges in revenue generation due to low import volume at Kebbi’s official border at Kamba, Ojike remains optimistic about growth prospects. He praised the efforts of the “Operation Whirlwind” team, a special task force established by Customs to counter petroleum product smuggling, and commended the team’s success in significantly reducing illegal petroleum exports in the state.
Among the goods seized during the quarter were:
- 367 bales of secondhand clothing
- 16,300 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
- 74 cartons of various medicaments
- 8 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice
- 180 pieces of donkey skin in 9 sacks
- 2 liters of Oxidized Nitric Acid (35kg each)
- Vehicles used for smuggling, including a DAF truck and a Toyota Corolla.
The Customs Controller confirmed the arrest of five suspects tied to these seizures, who have been granted administrative bail pending further investigation and trial.
With an overall Duty Paid Value of ₦323,065,567, Ojike credited these successes to the collective efforts of field officers, the intelligence unit, and collaboration with sister agencies and informed citizens. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s policies on consolidation, innovation, and collaboration, pledging to hand over items like donkey skins and medicaments to appropriate regulatory agencies.
Ojike expressed gratitude to the media, other security agencies, and Nigerians who have provided intelligence, urging smugglers to abandon their illegal activities as Customs officers remain vigilant and prepared to secure Kebbi State from smuggling activities.