Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has collected the sum of N1,003,752,951,735.55 in the first half of the year, as against the N713,548,395,834.93 collected between January to June 2020, with a positive difference of N290,204,555,900.62.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Mr. Joseph Attah revealed this today even as he described the feat as unprecedented in the Service.
His words: “This feat is as a result of resolute pursuit of what is right and willingness to adapt to changes brought about by global health challenges occasioned by Covid-19. The Service revenue profile continues to be on the increase due to on-going reforms that exploits the potentials of technology through robust automation of the processes and procedures”
He also noted that deploying officers strictly based on the Standard Operating Procedure, robust stakeholder sensitization resulting in more informed/voluntary compliance and improved working relationship with the National Assembly help the NCS attain such feat.
“As stated by the CGC earlier in the year, it is always the desire of the Service to generate more revenue than what is set for it, given favorable environment. NCS will always be willing and happy to break its records as it is in this case of over One-Trillion naira in 6 months,” Attah said.
In line with the recommendation of the tripartite meeting (Customs administrations of Nigeria, Benin and Niger) which was adopted by the Government, the Joint Border Patrol teams are operating at both sides of the land borders sharing intelligence that help to deal with the challenges of cross border crimes and criminalities.
According to him, a total number of 2,333 assorted seizures with duty paid value of N4,422,548,980.00 for the period under review, while he noted that some of these seizures were dangerous items like arms and ammunition, illicit drugs and food items like rice, vegetable oil e.t.c. that could have had grave consequences on national security and economy.
Recall that on 31st May 2021, the Service announced its intention to verify all Privately Owned Aircrafts in Nigeria between 7th June to 6th July 2021. At the end of the verification period, a total number of fifty-eight (58) private aircrafts owners complied.
“Infractions discovered during the verification exercise include: breach of Temporary Importation agreement, non appropriate payment of duty and taxes. Interestingly, those in default have indicated interest to pay with some already commencing the process by making appropriate declarations,” he said.
He noted that the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) has graciously extended the verification period for 14 days from July 7th to 20th July 2021.
By the end of this extended period, the Service will invoke appropriate sanctions as contained in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as amended against any Private Aircraft Owner that fails to take advantage of this period to verify aircrafts.
