A total of 452,355 metric tons of various commodities including cocoa beans, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, ginger, hibiscus flowers, processed rubber, among other items, with a total market value of N83.122 billion, were exported through Apapa Port alone in the last six months, the command's Area comptroller, Yakubu Garko, has said.

The command, during the period also recorded about 18 seizures that comprised batteries, used engines, deodorants, car parts, electronics, furniture, used cars among others, which had duty paid value of N147,641,067 million.

Addressing journalists on the command activities in his office, Garko said that his command raked in N139.2 billion from January to June, 2012. He however lamented that the command fell short of N7 billion in its first quarter target due to the nationwide strike in January.

"The command was not able to meet its revenue target in the first quarter owing to the nationwide strike embarked upon in the month of January by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, and this action resulted in the loss of over N7 billion by the command," Garko hinted.

While advising importers to make use of facilities such as the 24-hour port operation, online facilities to facilitate their cargo clearance, he hinted that efforts were on top gear to ensure that 48-hour cargo delivery was achieved in Apapa port.

He further warned dishonest importers and agents to desist from circumventing the law, adding that the command would not allow such people to have their way.