The Port and Terminal Multi-services Limited (PTML) Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)says it collected over N33.8 billion as revenue in the second quarter of the year.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Tajudeen Olanrewaju, gave the figure last Thursday while briefing journalists on the performance of the command.
He said that the amount is higher than the N33.7 billion the Command generated in the corresponding period of 2012 by about N120 million.
The figure, according to him, is significant even with the low volume of importation into the country in addition to the withdrawal of Maersk Line shipping from PTML.
“Maersk Line was bringing ships from far east which accounted for the bulk of revenue in the command. Just about when I resumed, maerskline withdrew their services.Despite this the command has continue to strive to sustain increase revenue even when there is a low volume of cargoes coming in,” he said.
On its anti-smuggling drive, Olanrewaju said that the Command intercepted four units 40-foot containers and three units of 20-foot containers for offences ranging from alleged forged Customs documents and unauthorised use of Officers’ passwords.
The items intercepted includes textile materials, vehicles, plastic wares and fireworks, among others.
He said that the Command will continue to improve its relationship with stakeholders, while ensuring that non-compliant importers and agents are brought to book.
“It is our duty as law enforcement agency to enforce compliance where compliance are not observed by operators.The dispute that may likely arise might be in the areas of classification of goods and valuation. When such arises there is a procedure that will allow for duty to be raised, the cargo cleared and the dispute will be settles later.This is one of the current agenda of the customs management to see that the economy is growing,” he said.
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