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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Kwara Customs command generates N3.8bn, intercepts dugs, chemicals

From The Punch · (6h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, generated over N3.8 billion in revenue during the first quarter of 2026.
  • The revenue was achieved through excise duties and intensified anti-smuggling operations, which also led to the seizure of various items including rice, chemicals, and narcotics.
  • The command highlighted its commitment to protecting the nation's economy and curbing illegal trade despite ongoing border closures.

The Kwara Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated remarkable fiscal performance, generating over N3.8 billion in revenue for the first quarter of 2026. This significant achievement, disclosed by Acting Area Controller Deputy Comptroller Najeem Ogundeyi, underscores the command's robust anti-smuggling operations and diligent revenue collection efforts, even amidst the continued closure of Nigeria's border with the Republic of Benin.

The command's intensified crackdown on illicit trade routes across Kwara and neighboring areas has yielded substantial seizures, including foreign parboiled rice, chemicals, and narcotics. These operations not only bolster national revenue but also serve the critical purpose of safeguarding the Nigerian economy from the detrimental effects of smuggling and illegal trade. The Duty Paid Value of seized items alone amounted to over N204 million, highlighting the scale of these successes.

This performance is a testament to the dedication and strategic approach of the Nigeria Customs Service under the leadership of Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi. The collaboration with sister security agencies has also been instrumental in achieving these operational milestones. The command's commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives is a crucial aspect of its mandate, protecting national interests and promoting economic stability within Nigeria.

These achievements underscore the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to combating illegal trade and smuggling of uncustomed goods, thereby protecting national revenue and ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives.

โ€” Najeem OgundeyiActing Area Controller of the Kwara Customs Command, highlighting the significance of the command's successes in revenue generation and seizures.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.