markets, to investigate  whether  the owners followed due process by paying appropriate duties on their goods,  reports Francis  Ugwoke

With less than six months to the end of the year, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is currently under intense pressure to meet the N1trillion revenue target given to it by the federal government for the year.  Determined to meet their revenue targets, the Customs Commands in Lagos have introduced stern measures to check revenue leakages.  Both Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports Commands have so far not been able to meet their targets as at June this year, although officials expressed optimism that they would make it before the year runs out. The two commands are the biggest revenue spinners for the Customs Service. This is because of the volume of trade in the area. To check revenue leakages as a result of fraudulent practices that may have denied the Customs money that would have accrued  to it,  the  Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Customs is beaming a searchlight on importers and manufacturing firms to investigate  payment of  appropriate duties on their goods.