Lagos airport Customs generates N45.23bn in 3 months

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMA), Lagos, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said yesterday it generated N45.23 billion from importers at the airport in the first quarter of 2024.

The Customs Area Controller, Compt. Mohammed Yusuf, said the revenue collected was 111% higher than what was generated between January to March, 2023.

According to him, the command generated N21.36 billion in 2023 while it generated N45.23 billion in the first quarter of 2024 representing a difference of N23.86 billion.

Speaking on the activities of the command during the first quarter, 2024, he said, “The year 2024 is fraught with numerous global challenges and Nigeria is not exempted. Important sectors of the economy are adversely affected due to the unstable exchange rate.

“However, for us in the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, we remained resolute at ensuring that we collect the much-needed revenue for the federal government and also ensure the safety and well-being of the citizenry through curbing smuggling to its barest minimum while facilitating legitimate import and export trades.

“Despite these challenges, the command has surpassed its records for the first quarter of 2024 compared to what was collected the previous year, while in the corresponding period of 2024, the command recorded  N45.23 billion. This represents an appreciable increase of N23.86 billion indicating 111.7% increase.”

Comptroller Yusuf also added that the command intercepted contraband worth N5.79 billion in the first quarter of 2024.

The contraband includes 50 pieces of 9mm live ammunition; 1,164kg sea cucumbers, 58kg of donkey genitals and 17 packages of Tramadol.