Customs

PTML Customs intercepts weapons, ammunition as it generates N239b revenue in 9 months

Funso OLOJO

The Port Terminal Multi Services Limited(PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has Collected a total of N239,233,530,265.48(Two hundred and thirty nine billion, two hundred and thirty three million, five hundred and thirty thousand, two hundred and sixty five naira, forty-eighty kobo) as revenue for the months of January to September 2024.

Controller of the command, Comptroller Tenny Mankini Daniyan disclosed that the total collection for January to September 2024 is N53,448,500,240 higher than the N185,785,030,025.47 collected for January to September 2023, showing a 29 percent increase.

On anti-smuggling, Comptroller Daniyan said the command made seizures worth a total duty paid value of N28,478,034.76.

He said the command made the following seizures including arms and ammunition comprising of 2 pistols, 260 ammunition, empty shells and cartridges of different types thereby preventing dangerous importation from entering the country.

Other seizures include
1. 1x40ft container No: ACLU9664782 found to contain-
i. 2,598 pieces of used motor tyres.
ii. 6 pieces of used fridges.
iii. 8 pieces of used Rug carpets.
iv. 2 pieces of used mattresses.
v. 2 bags containing used clothes, shoes and bags.

Duty Paid Value (DPV) = N8,009,436.00.
SEIZURES EXTRACTED FROM THE CONTAINER.
2. Foreign parboiled rice and vegetable oil extracted from 1x40ft container No: ACLU9810594.
i. 56 bags of premium parboiled rice (45.4kg each)
ii. 18 bags of Rice land parboiled rice (22.68kg each)
ii. 15 bags of premium parboiled rice (11.34kg each)
iv. 20 bags of premium parboiled rice (4.5kg each)
v. 18 kegs of soybean vegetable oil (15.87kg each) Duty Paid Value (DPV)= N6,512,400.00.

SEIZURES MADE FROM VEHICLES -PURCHASED ONLINE;
3. Twelve (12) rounds of 9mm Luger FC Blank ammunition and one (1) 9mm Luger live ammunition extracted from one used MAZDA CX5 with DPV of N37,405.80.

4. Ten (10) rounds of NIM FC 30-30 blank ammunitions, (2) rounds of 7.62mm x 39 AK hollow ammunition, (3) rounds of WCC NIM Luger 9mm live ammunition and (4) rounds of C hollow ammunition extracted from one used TOYOTA TACOMA with a DPV of N63, 698. 96.

5. Fifty (50) rounds of 76mm live cartridges and one hundred and nine (109) empty shells of 76mm, 70mm, and other calibres extracted from one used TOYOTA TACOMA with Duty Paid Value (DPV)= N6,987, 576.00.

6. Fifty-one (51) rounds of 12GA Winchester live cartridges extracted from one used LEXUS RX350 with DPV of N1,290,464

7. One (1) made in China SIGSAUER 1911 pistol with serial No: U03130962526 extracted from One used TOYOTA SIENNA with (DPV) of N241,354

8. One (1) Glock 22 Austria pistol with serial No: KNTO03 and (13) rounds of 9mm hollow ammunition extracted from one used TOYOTA TACOMA with DPV of
N 5, 310,396.00.
Yet to be handed over to the relevant agency (DSS) pending the instruction from the CGC.

9. Five (5) rounds of 12GA live cartridges extracted from one used Toyota Tundra with DPV of N25, 304.
Total DPV = N28, 478,034.76.

He explained that the showcasing of these live rounds of ammunition is to inform all users of PTML about the readiness of our officers to seize without compromise any items that is in contravention of the extant regulation due to command’s zero tolerance for such.

The 1 x 40ft container No. ACLU9664782 that contained items under seizure one of the above lists was handed over to the Nigeria Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) as directed by the Comptroller General of Customs.

Engr. Vonkur David Nankpark, NESREA’s Head of Lagos Ports Operations received the seized items on behalf of the agency’s Director General

On the arms and ammunition, the Controller said they are under critical investigation before the normal handing over to the appropriate authority.

A total of three (3) suspect were detained in the respect of these seizures and have been granted administrative bail.

On trade facilitation,the Controller said “Within the period under review, our trade facilitation and ease of doing business strategies have been sustained with our record breaking two hours clearance time for compliant RoRo cargoes.

“An efficient and accessible dispute resolution committee has been strengthened and working harmoniously to regularly brief the Customs Area Controller with a view to quickly resolving all trade disputes. This committee contributed immensely to the success recorded during the period of nine months.

“I want to appeal to our compliant traders to always make sincere declarations, avoid smuggling and take advantage of the various products put in place by the CGC like Time Release Study (TRS), Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme and Advance Ruling (AR) to help facilitate trade

“Since my assumption of office, I have prioritised the command’s relationship with all our stakeholders by strengthening the existing cordial relationships sustained over the years. This is applicable to both government and private sector stakeholders. This is in line with the concept of constant stakeholder engagement for maximum cooperation engendering peace, harmony and trade facilitation.

“My interactions with importers, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and terminal operators have contributed greatly to the harmonious operation you see in the command and we shall continually build on this to promote the overall objectives of the federal government.

“The constant engagement with our host PTML and Grimaldi management on the need to diversify their operations has resulted in their expansion to the far east by opening their office in shanghai -china. Currently goods -mainly RoRo vehicles are being shipped from china to Nigeria , this will subsequently result in increase revenue collection for NCS as time goes by.

” Our capacity to handle more RoRo cargoes is supported by the command’s track record of efficiency which has been severally demonstrated through timely clearance of automobiles and other cargoes,” the CAC said

Customs

Apapa Customs records major breakthrough in anti- smuggling operations.

– intercepts 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals, other contraband goods worth N6.38billion

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a huge success in its relentless war against traders of illicit products when its officers intercepted 13 containers of harmful pharmaceuticals and other contraband goods.

Unveiling the contraband goods at the APM Terminals,Apapa port on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the intercepted consignments are worth over N6.38 billion.

Adeniyi, while speaking with Journalists, revealed that the interception and seizures were made possible through intelligence-driven operations supported by cargo scanning technology and targeted physical examination.

He explained that officers detected irregular cargo profiles during routine scanning procedures, prompting detailed physical inspections that uncovered several prohibited and falsely declared consignments.

According to him, among the seizures was a 40-foot container loaded with expired pharmaceutical products, including Mixagrip Cold Caplets, Ladinax tablets, Chloroquine injections and Diclofenac tablets.

Customs officers also intercepted two 40-foot containers filled with unregistered pharmaceutical products, including Hyegra 200 and Sildenafil Citrate.

In another discovery, a 20-foot container carrying 800 cartons of codeine was found carefully concealed inside toilet flushing cisterns and sanitary ware.

Other pharmaceutical seizures included cartons of Artesunate injections, while a separate container was discovered to contain restricted security equipment such as bulletproof vests, helmets, walkie-talkies and tactical torches imported without the required End User Certificates.

The Service also uncovered multiple containers loaded with expired food items, including muffin cookies, 36,000 cans of expired energy drinks, and large quantities of expired tomato paste brands.

In addition, officers seized a 40-foot container containing 1,700 cartons of codeine cough syrup concealed among luxury food flasks.

Another container was found carrying 1,575 cartons of CSMIX with codeine hidden with electric kettles, alongside additional cartons of Co-codamol tablets.

Customs further intercepted 13 jumbo bags of Cannabis Sativa weighing 347.57 kilograms, which were concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Adeniyi described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the Service’s ongoing crackdown on illicit trade and smuggling through Nigeria’s seaports.

He warned that the importation of expired drugs and controlled substances poses serious risks to public health, while the smuggling of codeine-based products contributes to the growing problem of substance abuse.

The Comptroller-General emphasized that under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the seized goods are liable to outright forfeiture, adding that investigations are ongoing and all persons connected to the shipments will face prosecution.

He also stressed that the Service is expanding the use of Non-Intrusive Inspection (cargo scanning) to improve cargo clearance efficiency while strengthening enforcement against high-risk consignments.

According to him, Apapa Port processes thousands of containers daily, making it one of the most strategic trade gateways in West Africa.

“Apapa Port is no longer a playground for smugglers or criminal syndicates hiding behind legitimate trade documentation,” Adeniyi stated.

He assured compliant traders that Customs enforcement is not aimed at legitimate business but at protecting Nigeria’s economy and citizens from dangerous and illegal imports.

Customs

Dera Nnadi bows out of Customs in a blaze of glory

Geraldine Samuel, Reporter

Dera Nnadi, a Deputy Comptroller- General of Customs(rtd), has dropped anchor of service in the Nigeria Customs and graceful bowed out of the agency in a blaze of glory.

In a commemorative retirement ceremony conducted by his appreciative colleagues at the Customs’ Headquarters, Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Nnadi was pulled out of the Service he has diligently served amidst glowing tributes.

Incidentally, his pull- out ceremony coincided with his 60th birthday.

Leading the management staff, men and officers of the service in paying moving tributes to the retiring Nnadi was the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, who described DCG(rtd) Nnadi as an exemplary officer whose professionalism, discipline, and commitment to duty significantly strengthened the values and operational effectiveness of the NCS.

According to the CGC, the retirement ceremony provided an opportunity not only to celebrate a successful career but also to appreciate the sacrifices and dedication of officers who devote their lives to safeguarding the nation’s economic and border security interests.

He noted that Nnadi’s career reflects the core ideals of the Nigeria Customs Service, particularly in leadership, revenue generation and trade facilitation.

“Today is a moment of celebration and reflection. It is also an opportunity for us to thank Almighty God for the grace that has sustained our colleague throughout his years of service,” the CGC said.

The CGC also highlighted the personal and professional bond he shares with the retiree, noting that their relationship extends beyond official duties to family ties.

He expressed confidence that DCG Nnadi still possesses the energy and experience to continue contributing meaningfully to national development through academic and other professional engagements.

Members of the Service’s management team also paid glowing tributes to the retired DCG, commending his leadership qualities, integrity and mentorship.

Officers who served under him described him as a dependable leader who provided guidance and encouragement to younger personnel while strengthening the Service’s institutional capacity.

Responding to the honour, DCG Dera Nnadi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, the management team, officers and Men of the Service for their support and cooperation throughout his career.

He described his years in the NCS as a fulfilling journey of growth, learning and service to the nation.

The ceremony featured the presentation of awards, gift items and commemorative photographs in honour of the distinguished officer.

Customs

Customs takes charge of implementation of National Single Window project

– rallies stakeholders for successful take-off

Funso OLOJO, Editor

As the preparations for the official launch of National Single Window(NSW) project on March 27th, 2026 gather momentum, the Nigeria Customs service may have been designated as the lead agency to drive the modernisation project.

This much was confirmed by the Director of the Project, Tola Fakolade who acknowledged the pivotal leadership of the NCS in the implementation process.

At one of the stakeholders sensitisation programmes in Abuja on March 3rd, 2026, Fakolade declared “Our number one stakeholder is the NCS,”

“We have maintained a strong and constructive working relationship.

Customs’ participation and institutional experience are critical to the success of this project.” the project coordinator confirmed.

Confirming the lead role of the NCS, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT and Modernisation, DCG Oluyomi Adebakin, described the NSW as a major milestone in the Service’s ongoing modernisation drive.

She revealed that the NCS has been actively engaged in preparatory work for months to ensure that the framework being developed reflects operational realities and supports seamless implementation.

“This is a national project, but Customs is at the centre of its execution,” DCG Adebakin said.

“The success of the Single Window depends on collective understanding and cooperation. We must all appreciate its value because we cannot effectively promote what we do not fully understand.”

She reassured officers and stakeholders that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity rather than replace human resources, explaining that technology will enhance efficiency, transparency, and speed in cargo clearance and trade documentation processes.

Reaffirming the critical role of the service in the implementation of the NSW project, the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the Abuja stakeholders engagement with airlines and shipping companies held on March 4th, 2026, emphasised the importance of collaboration in ensuring the successful rollout of the initiative.

He noted that the support of critical stakeholders has played a significant role in the achievements recorded in the Service’s modernisation journey so far.

Adeniyi disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated the Service to take a bold step forward towards a successful launch of the National Single Window, a move aimed at positioning Nigeria as a major player in global trade.

He added that airline and shipping line operators remain vital partners in ensuring a seamless transition to the new system.

He further assured stakeholders that adequate support structures are being put in place to ease the migration process.

“A help desk with well-trained personnel will be available to address any operational challenges that may arise during the rollout”, the Comptroller-General stated.

The NCS described the National Single Window as a strategic reform that aligns with Customs’ mandate of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and inter-agency coordination.

With the NCS spearheading coordination and stakeholder engagement, the NSW project is expected to transform Nigeria’s trade environment, enhance revenue generation, and strengthen the country’s position in the global trading community.