Date: 2013-02-13

The Niger/Kwara/Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has generated N451.7 million as revenue last year, the Area Controller, Alhaji Aminu Dangaladima, has said. Dangaladima said that the amount was about 25 per cent higher than the command's set target of N360 million.

He attributed the feat to the support and co-operation of motor dealers in the states during a stakeholders meeting held in Minna.

The controller urged the dealers to impress on their customers to pay the correct customs duty for their imported vehicles before plying the roads to avoid embarrassment.

He said the command had been adjudged as the most improved command by the customs high command and was given an award for their achievement last year on its revenue collection efforts and enforcement.

Dangaladima pledged to curtail smuggling of contraband goods into the country through land borders using proactive measures.

He commended the military and other para-military organisations for their cooperation with the command toward ensuring the success of the command in the three states.

Alhaji Musa Abdulkarim, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, thanked the controller for his efforts in creating awareness for dealers in the business of importation of used vehicles, promising continued co-operation with the command.

"From our interaction with you it became clear to us that it is better to pay the requisite revenue than continuing to run away from the law.

"Henceforth, we shall educate our members on the need for them to always come clean in all their business transactions," he said.