The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has made seizures of 97 containers with total duty paid value of N17.5b from January to November 2021 for smuggling, false declarations and attempts at evading duty payments
.
-
![]()
Comptroller Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim, Customs Area Controller of Apapa displaying some of the unregistered smuggled drugs seized recently
The command also collected N784.8 billion as revenue for January to November this year. It also collected a record breaking revenue figure of N89.7 billion in November 2021 which has been described as the highest monthly collection by any command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
-
![]()
An opened bag of the seized Basmati rice
Yusuf Malanta Ibrahim, Customs Area Controller(CAC) of the command said in Lagos that he is committed to making the area difficult for all unlawful trading activities and uphold the zero tolerance for smuggling drive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali.
-
![]()
Apapa Customs Controller showing smuggled veterinary drugs to journalists in Lagos
While showing recent seizures to reporters in Ikorodu terminal and Apapa Port, Comptroller Ibrahim displayed 13 containers that were recently seized with a duty paid value of N285 million in the month of November 2021.
-
![]()
Some recently seized tramadol tablets
While giving a further breakdown, the CAC said the command had earlier effected seizures of 46.55 kg of cocaine concealed in 2 vessels MV KARTERIA and CHAYANEE NAREE with a street value of N13.2 billion which was also recorded on two different occasions.
While speaking on other seizures, he said “Notable among the seized items are hard substance like Captagon pills, Cocaine, Tramadol, Codeine syrup, Foreign parboiled rice, Tomato paste, Used clothing, etc. These were seizures made based on clear
contravention of sections 46, 47 and 161 of Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we would like to reiterate here that we will not compromise proper examination on the altar of trade facilitation, and we will also not relent on sharing intelligence to alert the system on false declaration even after examination or release of falsely declared cargo.
“Concealments will always be unveiled through the use of forensic manifest
management system and synergy with other sister agencies in the port.While appreciating our stakeholders and compliant traders for keeping to the rules of engagement on import and export procedures by adhering to the dictates of import/export guidelines, I would like to warn perpetrators of illegalities that our officers are always vigilant to uncover any form of unlawful trade.
“I once again want to urge the trading public to make sincere declarations, pay accurate duty and get required permits to avoid losing their
investments and facing prosecution” the CAC said
The Controller who described the revenue and seizure figures as remarkable feats resulting from a combination of improved inter agency synergies, enhanced trade facilitation, speedy dispute resolution and prevention of revenue leakages.
He added that the command will remain resolute on contributing to the actualisation of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) agenda in the area of increase in revenue collection and non compromise for smuggling.
