The Kebbi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has ramped up its anti-smuggling efforts, leading to the seizure of various contraband goods, including Premium Motor Spirit and other prohibited items, while also boosting revenue generation.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, reiterated his dedication to enforcing customs regulations, curbing smuggling, and promoting legitimate trade.
“Within six weeks of my tenure, the Command generated ₦13,378,002 in revenue despite economic challenges and border closures. Additionally, we made significant seizures valued at ₦84.2 million, including:
13,750 liters of Premium Motor Spirit
145 bales of second-hand clothing
114 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each)
70 expired cartons of Biggy Vanilla Wafer Biscuit
40 bags of foreign sugar (50kg each)
Various other contraband items”
Nwokorie emphasized the importance of collaboration with various security agencies such as the NDLEA, NAFDAC, Police, DSS, NIS, NSA, and the Nigerian Army to secure the borders. He assured that the Command would continue its crackdown on smuggling while creating an environment conducive to legitimate trade.
To improve intelligence sharing, Nwokorie engaged border communities, traders, and sister agencies, urging stakeholders to take advantage of trade facilitation initiatives introduced by Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
Reaffirming his commitment to national security and economic stability, Nwokorie stated, “This is my mission and my bond. I will not fail the Service. I will not fail the nation.”
