By Correspondent in Lagos.
The Murtala Muhammed Area Command (MMAC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N97.1 billion in revenue during the second quarter of 2025, surpassing its Q2 2024 revenue of N80.3 billion by N16.8 billion.
This represents a 20.92% increase in revenue, attributed to enhanced operational strategies and improved stakeholder compliance.
Comptroller Michael Awe, Customs Area Controller of the MMAC, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Wednesday in Lagos.
He commended the efforts of compliant importers, exporters, and clearing agents, whose cooperation contributed significantly to the revenue growth.
Awe also highlighted the command’s anti-smuggling achievements in the past six months.
According to him,notable seizures include:75 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3,765kg, valued at N772.3 million,18 Tippmann semi-automatic calibre mag-fed paintball markers,and 32 empty Tippmann gas cylinders.
Others,he added ,are:20 ballistic helmets with a duty-paid value of N2.6 million,Two live pangolins, intercepted en route to illegal export, adding that
the total duty-paid value (DPV) of the seizures stood at N792.7 million.
“These seizures were made possible through robust intelligence gathering, heightened surveillance, and the unwavering dedication of our officers,” Awe said.
He added that the intercepted pangolins have been transferred to the Igbeti area of Oyo State to ensure their survival in a natural habitat, while the paintball markers have been handed over to the police for further investigation.
Awe reiterated the command’s commitment to curbing all forms of illegal trade and upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and transparency.
“We remain committed to enforcing all applicable laws and regulations with discipline and zero tolerance for smuggling,” he said.
He emphasized that fostering strong relationships with stakeholders had been central to the command’s success. Regular interactions, information sharing, and mutual cooperation have led to faster decision-making and improved operational outcomes.
He said to further strengthen inter-agency collaboration, the command organized a sporting competition during the second quarter, featuring football, table tennis, volleyball, badminton, and draft, promoting physical fitness, mental alertness, and camaraderie among personnel and partner agencies.
“The introduction of these sporting activities has proven effective in boosting unity, reducing stress, and creating a relaxed platform for strategic engagement,” Awe added
While receiving the intercepted pangolin items, Dr. Jonathan Dajal, Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Liaison Office in Lagos, praised the customs service for protecting wildlife and the environment.
Dajal emphasized NESREA’s legal mandate to enforce environmental regulations and prosecute offenders, urging the public to support environmental protection efforts and assist customs through intelligence sharing.
Also speaking, Mr. Ashiru Balogun, Chairman of the National Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), MMA Command, commended the customs for their achievements,noting that the increase in revenue demonstrates effective collaboration and stakeholder compliance.
Balogun called on the NCS to advocate for incentives for customs brokers, suggesting that a percentage of the revenue be allocated to support the training and capacity-building of agents.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
