By Anthony Nwachukwu
The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has continued its lead in revenue collection across the commands, this time posting a total of N489,614,095,022.15 in first quarter (Q1) 2024, which exceeded its N212.5 billion for the same period of 2023 by over 100 per cent.
Speaking on the command’s activities in the period under review, the Area Controller, Compt. Babajide Jaiyeoba, assured that by this record, their assigned target of about N2 trillion for 2024 was attainable.
In a statement from the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Abubakar Usman, Jaiyeola explained that this would be achieved by diligently adhering to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, government import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff and government-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
He commended the officers and port stakeholders for their cooperation towards attaining the feat and called for sustained compliance by both government and private sector stakeholders.
Commending compliant stakeholders, as well as the officers for their punctuality, diligence and non-compromise in the discharge of their responsibilities, he said the Apapa Command is critical to realising the NCS’ annual target of N5.7 trillion for 2024, therefore, all hands must be on deck to achieve it.
Jaiyeoba described the command’s first quarter collection as a bold step towards realising the target, reminding all port users that compliance comes with multiple benefits, including the recently launched Authorised Economic Operator (AEO).
“I want to urge all stakeholders in Apapa Port to keep supporting us in achieving an efficient system where everyone plays by the rules to achieve smoother, seamless and faster import/export cargo clearance,” he said.
“Making honest declaration puts the declarant at a vantage position to have a credible reputation and enjoy the benefits that come with earned integrity such as fast track and possible migration to the authorised economic operator (AEO).
“Such attitude of compliance saves time and money as examination officers would find the cargo less cumbersome to process and other units of the service, including sister-government organisations, would not need to flag such cargo for seizure or arrest of the importers/exporters.
“The cargo gets cleared on time, and payments for penalties after demand notices are not necessary as no DN is issued on compliant import/export.
“I will continue my weekly engagement of stakeholders at various levels to sustain the tempo of our achievements and consolidate on the gains from regular enlightenment of every member of the port community.
“As we step into the second quarter to end the first half of 2024, I am convinced we will do better in revenue collection, facilitate more trade through our port and prevent smuggling under any guise.”
