According to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), its revenue for June 2023 to 2024 is N4.49 trillion, up 74% from N2.58 trillion the previous year.
This is due to the fact that its main source of revenue, Apapa Command, collects N17.9 billion daily. Commissioner of Customs (CGC), Wale Adeniyi, stated this on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja to mark his first anniversary in office.
Adeniyi attributed the service’s revenue growth to several strategic initiatives including; “N15 billion recovered through ‘Revenue Review Performance Recovery’ activities and N2.79 billion recovered from the 90-day regularisation window for recovered outstanding vehicle documents, 1,705 surplus containers and 981 vehicles were discharged from the port, resulting in the recovery of N1.5 billion.”
He said the achievements of the Customs under his watch were evidenced by the sustained increase in monthly average tax revenue of 70.13% compared to the previous fiscal year.
“The NCS recorded an average monthly tax revenue of N343 billion against a monthly average of N202 billion.”
“Notably, the first quarter of 2024 saw a significant increase in tax revenue of 122.35 percent compared to the same period last year. These increases compared to a monthly average of N202 billion.”
The Customs Commissioner added that significant progress had been made in trade facilitation during the period under review, with the decongestion of ports, reopening of previously inaccessible ports, and recording access roads.
He further noted that “NCS maintained an average rate of 18.45 percent from 2020 to 2022, ranking it 28th among the 37 MDAs assessed. By 2023, NCS rankings had dropped further to 34th out of 39 MDAs with a score of 18.53%. However, we are pleased to announce that NCS has improved by 33 places by 2024, tying with only four other MDAs out of the 36 MDAs assessed with a percentage score of 100%, an increase of 81.5%.”
“This impressive improvement is directly attributable to the trade facilitation measures implemented last year. NCS remains committed to facilitating the processing of exports by LilyPond Command and all recommendations and actions taken will have a significant benefit,” he added.
Adeniyi further explained that from an initial 317 Single Item Declaration (SGD) transactions, the terminal is now processing SGD 7,464, which represents 19.49% of the total 38,294 export transactions registered in 2023.
The CGC also noted that the agency has intensified its anti-smuggling efforts over the past year, which has resulted in large-scale interceptions, seizures of high-value items, and numerous arrests.
The service recorded 63 seizures of animal and wildlife products worth ₦566 million. In addition, seven arms and ammunition were seized through ports and borders. In terms of illegal drugs, 127 cases of narcotics and medicines worth a total of more than ₦6 billion were seized.
The service also recorded 724 seizures of 2.93 million litres of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) intended for smuggling out of the country. The illegal handling of oil exports has attracted the attention of stakeholders and the ongoing whirlwind operation will continue to disrupt and thwart the activities of smugglers in this regard.
In an effort to ensure food safety and curb food smuggling in and out of the country, the service recorded 1,744 seizure cases of rice and grains worth N4.4 billion.
These concerted efforts underscore the commitment of the NCS to protect society and ensure national security.
Meanwhile, the Apapa Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a daily revenue of N17.9 billion at the Lagos seaport where the naira was scored.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, disclosed this information at a press conference in Apapa yesterday. He said the achievement was attributable to intensified efforts by the customs authority to plug revenue loopholes amid an estimated decline in cargo throughput of over 50 percent.
He also disclosed that the command recently intercepted two containers containing second-hand clothes and Crusader soap.
“The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Command, recorded a landmark daily revenue of N17,903,312,598 on June 14, 2024, the highest since inception,” “This achievement is the beginning of many achievements in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling in the course of fulfilling our statutory obligations,” the Apapa Customs Commissioner said.
Olomu, however, assured port users and stakeholders that under his leadership, officers, and men of the command would continue to prioritize trade facilitation and strive to exceed its targets.
Meanwhile, he said the unprecedented tax collection was a way of celebrating the first anniversary of the appointment of the Commissioner of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, noting that his inspiring and motivating leadership contributed to the achievement.
“In conclusion, I would like to use this medium to urge port users to always observe the principles and etiquette of lawful business operations including compliance with applicable import and export policies, timely and accurate payment of duties, and regular promotion of commitment to the national interest,” he noted.
