ZAINAB JUNAID
The Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service is on the verge of surpassing its 2024 revenue target in December as it successfully recorded a revenue figure of N2.01tr as at November 19, 2024.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, CSC Usman Abubakar on Wednesday.
According to the statement, Customs Area Controller(CAC) of the command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu said the command aims at achieving its N2.2tr target for the year 2024 by the end of November ahead of December.
Comptroller Olomu attributed the Command’s inspiration to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi leadership prowess.
CGC Adeniyi had announced the total collection of N5.07tr by the service on Tuesday, 12 November, 2024 at the just concluded CGC Conference in Abuja.
However Comptroller Olomu informed that Apapa Port Command plays a critical role in the overall performance of the service nationwide.
He said the Command contributed 40% 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.
While addressing his Officers on the parade ground, the Controller urged all Officers to uphold professionalism as set by CGC Adeniyi in area of revenue collection, trade facilitation, uncompromising enforcement and sustained stakeholder engagement in the service and national interest.
He equally charged them to keep the trajectory of good revenue and enforcement records, sustain and ensure that seizures made from smugglers are backed with suspects arrested for prosecution.
“Arresting smugglers with their wares would bring greater impact in the fight against smuggling.”
Speaking further, the Area Controller hinted that the just concluded 2024 CGC Conference, themed “Engaging Traditional and New Partners With Purpose”, aligns with that of the World Customs Organisation which seeks to leverage on achievable gains from cordial relationships across organisations and individuals to achieve customs goals.
He listed some outcomes from the conference to include sustenance of diligent import and export cargo examination with 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.
While rewarding some Officers for their outstanding performance, Comptroller Olomu gave honorary award to the Compliance Unit for the recovery of over N2b in the last three months; another Officer from the Revenue Recovery Unit that also prevented the loss of N3b within the last three months was also recognised. While Assistant Comptroller M. Samad received an award from the CAC for due diligence and regular detection of under valuation, the Controller also honoured Inspector of Customs Adamu Bashir for best dressed and punctual officer.
