Newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMA) Command, Comptroller Allanah Francis has urged importers using the airport to brace themselves for sweeping changes in business attitude shift and improved cargo clearance regime, following the shakeup of administrative and operational elements involved in the efficient discharge of business transactions.
The new CAC of MMA Command, Comptroller Allanah Francis revealed this during a chat with MMS Plus, he said there is a new work order which is programmed to maximize trade efficiency for business benefits and government revenue collection.
Allanah noted that more than ever before, there is urgent need to apply every necessary control to plug revenue leakages, raise the earning capacity of government and indeed, expand revenue window following the present glut in oil price, globally.
“When I resumed last week, I called for a meeting of unit heads for talks on how to meet the government revenue target. If we cannot surpass our target, at least we have a duty to meet the mark. I didn’t have to take whole month to under study the place, I have been a valuation officer and we have been able to go round and agreed that we cannot afford to perform below the CGC’s mandate and expectations”, he said.
Allanah stressed that since the oil market is doing very badly and the government is determined to explore other revenue windows, the Command must function optimally as revenue outlets. According to him, this means that the Command must block every leakage, reduce to the barest minimum the human element factors that slow down cargo clearance and be vigilant to ensure that the due process is not abused.
“The CGC in a meeting with us explained the government’s mandate to him. As a result of the economic downturn, much of our national revenue is expected to come from the Customs service. Our CGC is a man who likes challenges and at a time like this, he can only do his level best to contribute his quota to the growth of the country. That is why here at the Airport command, I have agreed with my officers and men that we will not be part to whatever will contribute to cargo clearance delay” he added.
Allanah also admonished importers and agents to identify with the Customs in the drive to be more productive as the nation is at an important turning point. He opined that if all stakeholders do well and support the current initiative, the benefits will be far reaching for the greatest majority.
He said that prompt actions have to be taken to remedy the prevailing atmosphere which has put the Nigerian economy in disarray. He assured that every segment of the Customs operation in the Command is in sync with the new order, while his office will not be taken unaware in the event of antics to sabotage the new orientation being nurtured.
