The Comptroller of Customs, Kebbi State Command, Mr. Iheanacho Ernest Ojike, has said that the prolonged border closure hindered the revenue generation of his Command, disclosing that N7.215 million was generated in two months of his assumption of office.
Ojike disclosed further that the Federal government has authorized the reopening of Kamba border as the only import and export outlet for the state, stating however that with this challenge, the Command managed to generate N7.215 million in two months, representing an increase of 125% compared to the two previous months.
According to him, the 1,005 litres of seized petrol valued at N2.005 million is expected to also increase the revenue when auctioned to the public. He added that revenue comes from auction sales of petrol, auction vehicles and Customs agent’s license renewal fees, hoping that with the reopening of borders, the Command is optimistic of an increased revenue generation.
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On trade facilitation, the Customs boss explained that his Command collaborates with relevant sister agencies to enhance its operations, security and intelligence to improve legitimate cross-border trade with our neighbours.
“It is notable to mention that the exportation of grains is still resisted, and we are here to ensure that it does not leave the shores of this country as it has become imperative to secure our locally produced grains to prevent our Country from plunging into food crisis.
“Barely two months since I took over, the Command has intensified the fight against smuggling to curb its menace by engaging in intense patrols throughout the nook and crannies of Kebbi State, making use of intelligence to enhance our operations.”
The Comptroller also revealed that the operations carried out so far within the two months under review yielded positive results leading to the “seizure of 212 bags of foreign parboiled rice of 50kg and 28 bags of 25kg each, 200 bales of used second-hand clothing (jumbo) size) and 50 bales of normal size.
“10,000 litter of petrol, 39 lumps Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp), 78 rolls of Diclofenac Sodium, 300 wraps of diazepam tablets (5mg) each, 57 pack of sex enhancement drugs (Black Diamond), 150 expired powder milk, 50 pieces of used tyres and 20 pieces of rims, 20 cartons of foreign spaghetti, 20 bags of foreign sugar and 10 jerrycans of vegetable oil. All with street value of N126.29 million respectively.”.
