By Moses Ebosele –
For the first quarter of 2017, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA) command generated ₦14.39billion, representing an increase of ₦3.25billion when compared to the first quarter of 2016.
The MMA Command had in 2015 generated a total sum of ₦8.40billion. The figure for 2016, when the current Comptroller, Francis Allanah, took over increased to ₦11.14billion.
According to a statement issued by Public Relation Officer, EPHRAIM, J. HARUNA, through in-house training and re-trainings, officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service at MMA “have become more professional and unbeatable. Maximum revenue has therefore been collected on all dutiable items be they exports or imported cargoes.
“Only last year, two aircrafts imported by yet to be identified importers, were seized by the command under his watch. The aircrafts have been handed over to the Nigerians Air Force to strengthen it on the fight against insurgents especially in the North-East and South-South regions of the country. And a total of eight (8) cartons of phantom drone are seized during the period under review.
“Huge sums of various currencies have also been seized from currency traffickers by the command and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for further investigation and necessary action.
“As an unrepentant disciplinarian, Comptroller Allanah does not tolerate any act of indiscipline. By his avowed commitment to enforcing laid down rules by the Customs Management Board, the resultant rise in revenue profile is, without an iota of doubt, a result of his strictness and incorrigibility attitude to act of indiscipline.
“Even as he insists that all officers must be disciplined and render quality service to Airport users, Comptroller Allanah does not joke with the welfare and wellbeing of his officers. The spirit of camaraderie, oneness and dependability on one another is so high that the command enjoys uncommon friendship and unity of purpose.
“Regular medical checkups, sporting exercises/events to keep fit as directed by Comptroller General are part of regular programmes at MMA which Comptroller Allanah has deployed to ensure that maximum revenue is generated into the coffers of Federal Government for national development.
“For his efforts and achievements the command received three letters of commendation from the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CGC, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), an uncommon feat in the annals of Customs history in Nigeria.
