The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) realised N27.4 billion as revenue in the month of July alone. The revenue was generated from its flagship command, Apapa which also has Nigeria’s premier port Apapa Quay in its jurisdiction.
It also raked in N148.36 billion between January and July 2016 just as it made seizures of prohibited items and apprehended three suspects.
A breakdown of the seizures showed that in July 2016, it made a seizure of 1 by 20 foot container laden with soap and another 1 by 40 foot container laden with furniture.
From January to July 2016, the service also made an import seizure of 2 by 20 foot container and 2 by 40 foot container while on export seizures, it made 30 by 20 foot container laden with rough sawn timber.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Willy Egbunin, who confirmed the development in a chat with THISDAY said the three suspects arrested in connection with the seizure are helping security operatives on what they knew about the seizures.
He disclosed that as soon as investigations are concluded, the suspects would be charged to court and convicted if found liable.
The CAC noted that while some suspects were released because the offences they allegedly committed are bailable, the vehicles they used in carrying the prohibited items are in security custody pending the conclusion of of what he called “thorough investigations” into the matter.
He also unfolded measures to shore up collectible revenue in the command in the months ahead.
These include monitoring to ensure that records of revenue collected and debit notes (DN) are rendered weekly, close supervision of officers and men to ensure proper conduct of examination and compliance with the rules of classification and valuation of goods; plugging of all revenue leakages due to none declaration and under-declaration.
Others are speedy resolution of trade dispute arising from classification and valuation; setting up standing committee to monitor and follow up outstanding queries; ensuring the payment of unpaid assessments/pre-arrival assessment reports (PAAR) hanging in the system are resolve; as well as regular stakeholders meetings.
According to the Customs chief, the command uses the stakeholders meetings to advise importers, exporters and licensed customs agents to ensure that they adhere strictly to honest and transparent declarations.
He expressed hope that with the support of all stakeholders, the strategies put in place by the command would yield the desired results in the months ahead.
He also commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Colonel Hammed Ibrahim Ali (retired) and his management team for their support for the command.
