The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a revenue collection of N1.61 trillion by the end of the third quarter of 2024, surpassing the N1.17 trillion collected in the same period of 2023 by 37.6%.
In a press statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Customs Usman Abubakar, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, attributed this achievement to diligence and integrity.
He emphasised the Command’s ongoing commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to further enhance revenue collection and reduce smuggling activities.
Comptroller Olomu highlighted the significant revenue figures for July (N201.8 billion) and September (N193.9 billion) as indicators of the Command’s potential for continued success into the final quarter of the year.
He also acknowledged several trade facilitation programs established by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. These initiatives, including advance ruling, time release studies, and the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) program, have been diligently implemented to support the nation’s economy.
Praising the officers for their unwavering commitment to revenue collection, he credited their meticulous inspections and proactive interventions, such as issuing demand notices when required, as essential to the Command’s success.
Olomu reaffirmed the CGC’s zero-tolerance policy on smuggling and the importance of stakeholder engagement in maintaining high compliance levels, which have led to a reduction in smuggling activities in the region.
The Customs Area Controller also noted that stringent cargo monitoring, port user profiling, stakeholder sensitization, and ongoing training for customs officers have collectively contributed to the significant reduction in smuggling.
He encouraged Apapa port users to utilise the dispute resolution team for assistance with any uncertainties and reassured licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, importers, exporters, and haulage operators of the Command’s ongoing support.
“Our revenue collection is commendable, and I believe we can achieve even better results in the last quarter of 2024. I want to thank our compliant stakeholders for their cooperation, which has been crucial to reaching this level of success.
“Reduced smuggling activities affirm the compliance we’re celebrating. We remain vigilant, leveraging non-intrusive technology for cargo scanning and conducting physical inspections when necessary. These procedures are strictly adhered to across all bonded terminals under our control,” Comptroller Olomu stated.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.