The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, has recovered N72.4 million from importers and clearing agents who underpaid Customs duties at Lagos’ two seaports.Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, emphasized the Service’s commitment to revenue recovery and trade facilitation under the leadership of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi. Since assuming office, Adeniyi has introduced several initiatives aimed at boosting the nation’s revenue and economic growth.> “The unit recovered a total of N72.4 million through Demand Notices (DN) issued due to irregular consignment declarations,” Oladeji stated. “We will continue enforcing the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 to prevent revenue losses.”Additionally, the unit intercepted contraband worth N1.72 billion over the past month, a significant milestone in its anti-smuggling operations.Seized Contraband Items:3,832 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to seven trucks)27 units of used (tokunbo) vehicles494 jerry cans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (14,820 liters)27 bales of used clothing95 bags of charcoal3,643 kg of Cannabis SativaSix suspects arrested in connection with the seizuresOladeji reaffirmed the unit’s dedication to tackling economic sabotage, particularly illegal cross-border trade.> “Our operatives have intensified border surveillance across the Southwestern States to suppress smuggling and enforce compliance with fiscal policies. Through operations like ‘Swift Sting Operations,’ we have achieved significant success.”In the review period, the unit recorded 82 interceptions leading to seizures with a cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.72 billion.> “These achievements didn’t come easily. Our officers spent hours on patrol, ensuring effective surveillance of the borders,” he added. “Our resolve to curb illegal trade and transborder crimes remains unwavering.”Boosting Trade and Revenue CollectionOladeji also highlighted the NCS’s recent efforts to enhance trade facilitation. Under CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s leadership, the Service has introduced tools such as:Time Release Study (TRS)Advance Ruling SystemAuthorized Economic Operator (AEO) ProgramThese initiatives have improved Customs efficiency and boosted investor confidence. To further enhance trade, FOU Zone A has restructured its patrol teams within Lagos to eliminate unnecessary trade barriers and foster a more business-friendly environment.> “We will continue to engage stakeholders, educate the public on the impact of smuggling, and enforce compliance in line with government policies,” Oladeji concluded.This development underscores the NCS’s firm stance against smuggling while reinforcing its role in revenue generation and economic growth.