By Alhaji Kabir, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has generated twenty five million, six hundred and twenty one thousand, six hundred and nine naira, twenty six kobo within three weeks.
The Command’s Comptroller, Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim disclosed this to newsmen during a media briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Birnin Kebbi.
He said “upon assuming duty in the month of September, I closely reviewed the revenue generation structure of the Command and introduced new modalities to strengthen our performance which includes holding series of meetings with stakeholders and officers-in-charge of border stations to identify challenges and proffer timely solutions.”
He noted that “through sustained collaboration with our Niger Republic counterparts, we have achieved a seamless flow of cross-border trade through the Kamba axis.”
According to him, the generated amount in three weeks represented a 36.13% increase compared to the previous month of August.
Matawalle further disclosed that his Command has seized 20,975 litres of PMS (petrol) valued at N12,585,000, these seizures, amount to 1,429 Jerry-cans of PMS, which were made at various identified flashpoints across Kebbi State, including Bagudo, Lolo, Tsamiya, Bunza, Dakingari, Kamba and Zuru/Mahakala among others.
He said that these interception underscore the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General and his management team to safeguard the national resources and protect the economy from sabotage, particularly smuggling of PMS, that not only deprives the nation’s much needed revenue but, also poses serious security and safety risks to Communities.
He however commended the gallant officers of Operation Whirlwind and the Kebbi State Command for their resilience, synergy and Professionalism.
The Area Comptroller also noted that his Command will continue to contribute meaningfully to safeguard the national economy and ensuring the security of the nation.
