The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command has generated N2.01trllion as at November 19 this year despite the decline in the volume of trade, Customs Area Controller (CAC) Babatunde Olomu told officers and men on a parade.
He added that the command aims at achieving its N2.2trillion target for this year by the end of November, ahead of December.
Olomu said the command is drawing inspiration from the Comptroller-General of the Service, Adewale Adeniyi who announced the total collection of N5.07trillion by the service in Abuja, last week.
According to him, Apapa Port Command plays a critical role in the overall performance of the service nationwide. He said the command contributed 40 per cent of the N5.07tr total target of the service that has been met so far, which underscores the high expectations and responsibility on the command.
Olomu urged officers to align with the outstanding examples set by Adeniyi in revenue collection, trade facilitation, uncompromising enforcement and sustained stakeholder engagement in the service and national interest.
He urged the officers to keep the trajectory of good revenue and enforcement records sustained and ensure that seizures made from smugglers should be backed with suspects for prosecution. He added that arresting smugglers with their wares would cause greater impact in the fight against smuggling.
The Area Controller urged the officers to imbibe the spirit and letter of the theme, which was “Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”.
He said the 2024 CGC Conference theme aligns with that of the World Customs Organisation which seeks to leverage achievable gains from cordial relationships across organisations and individuals to achieve customs goals
He listed some outcomes from the conference which include sustenance of diligent import and export cargo examination with the deployment of hundred percent physical examination where necessary; granting of access to enforcement unit officers to view the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) platform; and avoidance of Indiscriminate intervention alerts which makes service personnel appear to be working at cross purposes. According to CAC Olomu, NCS is one and should operate and be seen as one.
Other fallouts from the CGC Conference announced by the Area Controller are the banning of commercial activities within customs formations and premises. He listed such activities like the engagement of Point of Sales (PoS) operators around customs offices, and involvement of customs officers in clearing jobs, that is doubling as licensed agents, which conflict with their official mandates
Olomu also disclosed that the command is planning an award night for deserving officers and stakeholders that have contributed to its success in 2024. He also gave plaques of award to some units and individuals for excellent discharge of their functions.
The Compliance Unit was honoured for the recovery of over N2 billion in the last three months. Efforts of the Revenue Recovery Unit that also prevented the loss of N3 billion within the last three months was also recognised
Assistant Comptroller M. Samad received an award from the CAC for due diligence and regular detection of under valuation
Olomu also honoured Inspector of Customs Adamu Bashir as best dressed and punctual officer.
The Nation
