By Kenneth Jukpor
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has revealed that it generated N404. 0 billion in 2018, a figure which accounts for 95% of its annual revenue target.
The revenue for 2018 is an improvement on the N350.9 billion it generated during the same period in 2017.
According to the Customs Area Controller of the command , Comptroller Bashir Abubakar, who made this known while briefing the newsmen in Lagos today, the enhanced revenue generated could be attributed to the selfless service of officers as well as the support and backup by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali and his management team.
According to him, against the 2018 target of N426.1 million, the N404million collected represents 95 per cent of the revenue target of the command and also showed that the command collected N53.0 billion above the revenue generated in 2017.
He also noted that there were other strategies adopted by the Command adopted which lead to the sucess and seamless operation of the import and export business by my administration.
Abubakar also explained that the Command introduced 24-hours dispute resolution team, an on the spot examination with all relevant agencies.
The strategies such as advanced system and monitoring, collaboration between internal and external units of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other government agencies.
“In the year under review, the Command also seized and condemned 41 of 40ft containers or controlled pharmaceutical drugs including tramadol in excess of the allowable milligrams with Duty Paid Value (DPV) N8.812billion.
“Furthermore, the command also intercepted and seized on export bound used helicopter with registration number 5BN valued at N210.6 million, in addition another port bound Aircraft “Cessna 182A” in CKD with serial no. 3400 valued at N486.9 million.
“These above items were seized in accordance with the provision of the extant laws and guidelines. These items were seized owning to various infractions such as false declaration, concealment and complete disregard to import and export guidelines,” Abubakar said.
The Command boss said the increase in revenue was also due to the implementation of the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System II (NICIS II) in Apapa, which had blocked revenue leakages in cargo clearance procedures
He noted that the Command’s achievement in 2018 earned the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Merit Award for rendering exceptional service in the international customs community, revealing that the award was presented during the WCO day celebrated held in Abuja last month.
Abubakar also commeded the media for exchange of information, openness, sincerity, and objectivity in the dissemination of information.
He also awarded some officers Certificate of Commendation for their dedication and transparency in their duties such as Assist. Comptroller, Bello Ahmed Team Manager Customs Intelligent Unit (CIU) Apapa, Officer in-Charge of Free Trade Zone, Assist. Comptroller Faith Ojeifo.
Other awardees include; Chief Superintendent of Customs, Usman Iliyasu, Staff Officer SIFAX, Superintendent of Customs, Peter Odangla, CIU Apapa and Assist. Superintendent of Customs, Bah Zarma, in charge of Customs Processing Unit, Apapa.
