ZAINAB JUNAID
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs (AC) Abdullahi Maiwada, has attributed the Service’s historic N6.1 trillion revenue collection to motivated workforce and strategic reforms of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.
AC Maiwada made this known while speaking on performance of the Service and it’s projection for 2025 on a program, “Beyond 100 Days,” aired by Television Continental (TVC) on Friday, 24 January 2025.
He emphasized that the success recorded in the history of the NCS, spanning over 100 years, was as a result of the three major reforms: ‘Collaboration, innovation and Consolidation’ of the CGC.
According to him, NCS has been able to achieve this feat due to the commitment and dedication of its workforce with the Service ensuring that its personnel are well-trained and equipped with the necessary skills to perform their duties efficiently.
“Under the leadership of CGC Adeniyi, NCS has been able to build stronger relationships with its Stakeholders, including importers, exporters, and other government agencies and this has enabled the Service to better understand the needs of its stakeholders and provide more effective services,” he added.
Regarding the Service’s plans for importers and exporters in 2025, Maiwada revealed that NCS would focus more on effective trade facilitation, and described 2025 as a year of consolidating previous gains, with a focus on three key areas-enhancing trade facilitation, improving anti-smuggling activities, and achieving new revenue targets.
“We are committed to making business easier for importers and exporters in the Country, and we will continue to simplify our processes, reduce delays, and provide better services to our Stakeholders,” he added.
He also buttressed his points with the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme rolled out last year 2024 which according to him, aimed at facilitating trade, providing compliant traders with special treatment and faster clearance of cargo.
“We have introduced the AEO programme to reward compliant traders and make clearing process easier for them within the system. Under this programme, Compliant traders will enjoy faster clearance of cargo, reduce documentation, and other benefits,” he said.
AC Maiwada also addressed the misconception that the revenue generated by the NCS comes mainly from second-hand vehicles saying the bulk of the revenue is generated from bulk cargoes, and not second-hand vehicles.
“Contrary to popular belief, the revenue generated by the NCS does not come mainly from second-hand vehicles. In fact, the bulk of our revenue comes from bulk cargoes,” he said.
Similarly, on tariff rate, Maiwada informed that there are different tariffs with some items eligible for zero percent duty levy. Citing manufacturing and medical equipment as examples of items that fall under this category, Maiwada said, “The tariff system is designed to promote economic growth and development. Some items are eligible for zero percent duty levy to encourage local manufacturers while higher duties are placed on used and new vehicles to discourage more of its importation.”
AC Maiwada further re-emphasized the major role of NCS in fiscal policies, stressing “Our role is to implement the fiscal policies set by the government, not to determine them. We are committed to ensuring that these policies are implemented in a fair and transparent manner”.
Finally, Maiwada discussed the forthcoming International Customs Day 2025, revealing that this year’s theme focuses on ‘Customs delivering on its commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity’.
“International Customs Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate our achievements and reflect on our challenges. This year’s theme is particularly relevant, as we continue to strive for efficiency, security, and prosperity in our operations,” he concluded.
