ZAINAB JUNAID
The Lagos Industrial Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has generated a total sum of N17,943,659,646.73k as Excise Duty between October 2023 and April 2024.
Outgoing Customs Area Controller of the Command, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Nsikan Patrick Umoh, disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Command’s Headquarters in Lagos on Friday.
ACG Umoh revealed that the monthly revenue collection from November 2023 had been averagely between N2.4 Billion and N2.5 Billion till date despite experiencing a shortfall in February and March 2024, due to technical glitches from banks which led to failure in remittances as at when due.
Amid the glitches experienced in the months of February and March, the Command successfully generated N4,251,165,917.07k revenue for the month of April, the highest monthly revenue in about two decades now.
“This was made possible by the overwhelming support and cooperation of the traders, brokers and dedication of the Customs Officers,” ACG Nsikan said.
Recounting other achievements made under her administration, the newly promoted Assistant Comptroller General(ACG), expected to resume duty at Gwagwalada Training College, Abuja, next week, revealed that the Command controls 32 active factories (26 alcoholic products manufacturers and 6 carbonated/sweet drink producers) with 5 new factories discovered and are currently undergoing documentation for Excise control.
To her, “Currently, twenty two (22) out of thirty-four (34) active Excise factories have applied for their Statutory renewals of licenses and bond for year 2024, A total of fourteen (14) alcoholic product factories have gotten their 2024 Unit Cost Analysis”.
ACG Umoh urged the remaining twelve (12) factories to submit their application on or before 31st May 2024, saying the development is also applicable for Licence renewals.
While fielding questions from journalists present at the briefing, the ACG took cognizance of the current economic downturn in the Country and it’s effect on businesses, thus advised active excise factories to place emphasis on production for export by leveraging on turnover rather than marginal profit.
“Considering unfriendly business environment experienced in Nigeria and in order to key into the opportunities availed by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area(AfCTA), I will advise the Stakeholders to engage in export that will leverage on turnover than marginal profit and also find more opportunities available for them to key into both ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme(ETLS) and AfCTA,” She said.
Speaking further, she advised all Officers of the Command, to always operate by the Standard Operational Procedures(SOP) of the Service.
However, speaking on the ACG’s redeployment, Stakeholders(Customs Consultants) present at the briefing expressed gratitude to the outgoing Customs Area Controller for Sustaining strong synergy with all active Excise Stakeholders during her tenure.
They appreciated her for maintaining highest standard of professional conduct and also healthy relationship with Stakeholders.
Also in her remarks, DC Revenue of the Command, Altine Zakka Datit, expressed immense gratitude to ACG Umoh for the love and support rendered to all Officers of the Command during her tenure, and also for instilling discipline and professionalism in the Officers and prayed for her continuous Success.
