The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has revealed that it made N104.31bn from exported goods in 2020.
According to a statement signed by the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura, exports rose from 262,095 metric tonnes in 2019 to 1,311,365 metric tonnes in 2020.
Abba-Kura was quoted to have said, “The export unit witnessed a boost in its activities. From 262,095 metric tonnes in 2019, it rose to 1,311,365 metric tonnes in 2020.
The Free on Board value for the exported items equally moved up from $132.76m to $340.88m within the period under review. The naira equivalent of the exported items is estimated at N104.31m at 306 Naira per dollar.”
The Area controller said exports included steel bars, agricultural and mineral products among others.
Similarly, it recorded N518.05bn between January and December 2020 as revenue.
The statement explained that revenue increased by N94.38bn from the N423.6bn collected in 2019, indicating an increased collection of 22.3 per cent.
The Controller said by strengthening its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs, it was able to record 318 seizures with a duty paid value of N21.19bn.
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He highlighted the seized items to include 133 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals consisting of tramadol, 58 containers of parboiled rice and 30 containers of vegetable oil.
Others included 31 containers of used clothes and shoes and 13 containers of used tires and other items.
Abba-Kura said that the unprecedented achievements were possible as a result of the doggedness and tireless commitment of the officers and men of the command to their duties despite the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging economies all over the world.
He said, “Nonetheless, as we look forward to a prosperous and glorious year ahead, the Command has taken bold initiatives to ensure the collection of appropriate revenue by creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive.”
The Command boss appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd.) and his management team for their continuous support and encouragement.
