The Customs Area Controller, PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa, Lagos, Comptroller Z. A. Jibrin, is scared that the command may not meet its 2013 revenue target of N90billion if the cargo volume drop being experienced by the nation’s ports persists.
Jibrin was, however, optimistic that if there is an improvement in cargo volume as the year 2013 progresses, the command will not only meet the target but will equally surpass it.
The CAC, who was speaking when he received the executive members of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in his office, said that the command started on a bright note, as, according to him, it generated in January and February, 2013, the sums of N5.9 billion and 5.2 billion, respectively.
He said: “In 2013, we started on a good note. In January, we collected N5.9billion and, in February, we collected N5.2 billion. In March, we are going to reach N7 billion.
“Cargo volume drop is affecting us in the command and our revenue. The problem was high in February. I hope the drop will not persist and if it does, it will affect our revenue target. But we are hopeful that it will subside. If it does, we shall meet our revenue target and even surpass it.”
He explained that the command in 2012 collected a sum of N71 billion, surpassing that of 2011 with over N20 billion, which, according to him, was a good development.
Jibrin said that in 2012, the command made a lot of seizures which included books, containers of used tyres, and some cars forged documents etc.
On the challenges facing the command, tha CAC said that touts milling around the satellite car park of the port at Mile 2 is giving the command a lot of problem, promising to deal with the problem headlong.
While making it known that cargo clearance in the port is done within 24 hours, provided all documents are genuinely and correctly declared, the CAC said that there is a cordial relationship between his command and other government agencies.
Earlier in his speech, the MARAN Secretary-General, Mr. Funso Olojo, who led the other members of the association on the visitation on behalf of the President, Mr. Bolaji Akinola, assured the CAC of a cordial working relationship between the association and the command.
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