Customs Rake In N40.8bn In Four Months In Kano

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano Area Command, has said it generated N40.8 billion revenue between January and April 2024.

The Area Comptroller, Mr Dauda Chana, made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Kano.

Chana, who said that about 10.6 billion was collected as revenue in April alone, added that there was a significant increase in the revenue generation profile of the command, compared to the same period in 2023, when N12.3 billion was realized within the same period.

He attributed the increase to the command’s security measures put in place to ensure revenue generation.

The comptroller said already, the area command has introduced more stringent security measures to prevent all forms of smuggling in the area.

“Well trained armed personnel have been posted to strategic locations to deal decisively with all those involved in illegal smuggling of materials into our area of supervision.

“We are battle ready to end smuggling through our various strategies to pave the way for arrest and prosecution of those involved in illegal businesses,” he said.

Chana appealed to traditional rulers and stakeholders, especially those around the border areas, for support to sensitize residents on the negative effects of smuggling on the nation’s economy.

“We have also reached out to youths in these border communities, to assist our field officers with the required intelligence that will assist in curbing all forms of smuggling activities.

“The command’s area of coverage is a no-go area for smugglers, as competent officers have been stationed at identified illegal smuggling routes to ensure arrests and prosecution of offenders,’’ Chana said.

He also solicited the support of stakeholders in mobilizing residents to shun smuggling and embrace export of local goods.

The Kano area command covers Kano and Jigawa.