In a recent statement, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command announced that it had achieved a remarkable revenue collection of N1.6 trillion by the end of the third quarter of 2024. This figure marks a significant increase from the previous year’s total revenue of N1.2 trillion for the year 2023, illustrating a positive trend in the command’s financial performance. Usman Abubakar, the command’s Public Relations Officer, shared this achievement, highlighting the diligent efforts and integrity exhibited by the command in enhancing revenue collection. The Customs Area Controller, Babatunde Olomu, emphasized the importance of maintaining engagement with stakeholders to further improve revenue collections and combat smuggling in the region.
Olomu remarked that the impressive revenue figures collected in July 2024, amounting to N201 billion, and N193 billion in September 2024, reflect a capacity for potential replication in the remaining quarters of the year. The Customs Area Controller attributed this achievement to the effective implementation of various trade facilitation programs introduced by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi. Initiatives such as advance rulings, time release studies, and the Authorised Economic Operator program have been instrumental in promoting compliance and improving overall efficiencies within the customs framework, ultimately benefiting Nigeria’s economy.
The success of the customs command’s revenue collection efforts can be attributed to the hardworking and diligent staff, noted Olomu. Their commitment to detailed cargo examination and prompt issuance of demand notices has played a critical role in achieving current revenue levels while also aiming to reduce smuggling. The command has made substantial strides in ensuring compliance and has emphasized the significance of ongoing communication and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
Continuous strict monitoring of cargoes and comprehensive profiling of port users have been key strategies employed to combat smuggling, according to Olomu. The command has also invested in stakeholder sensitization initiatives and internal training programs for officers to elevate performance standards. These proactive measures have led to a significant decline in smuggling activities in the recent past, reinforcing the command’s commitment to excellence in service delivery.
Olomu extended a call to port users, encouraging them to make use of the customs service’s dispute resolution team to clarify uncertainties that may arise. He reassured licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and haulage operators of the command’s unwavering support and readiness to assist them when needed. The command’s persistent dedication to fostering collaborative relationships with sister agencies has paved the way for improved information sharing and coordinated efforts in addressing criminal activities at the ports.
In conclusion, Olomu expressed optimism for the command’s continued success and potential for even better results in the final quarter of 2024. He acknowledged the crucial role of compliant stakeholders in supporting revenue collection efforts and reiterated the customs command’s stringent vigilance against smuggling. Through a combination of trade facilitation and anti-smuggling initiatives, alongside the adoption of non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning, the NCS is poised to maintain high standards in service delivery and further enhance its operational capabilities.
