Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Zone A, Lagos, Charles Edike yesterday commended the Tin Can Island Port Command of the service for generating N24.4 billion so far in November.
Edike gave the commendation during his official tour of the command and Port Terminal Multi-Services Ltd (PTML) command in Lagos.
He said that the amount was collected by the command between Nov. 1 and Nov. 24.
He urged officers of the service to put more efforts to enable the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd) to achieve his policy, anchored on transparency, honesty and integrity.
“Forty six per cent of all containers coming to Lagos go to Apapa, while the rest comes to Tin-Can and few goes to Port and Terminal Multiervices Limited (PTML).
“You should work hard, be at alert and you must collect every kobo due for government, and never collect less than the amount you are meant to collect.
“If the document or declaration of any agent is complete and cleared, do not look for faults,” he said.
Edike said, “If any officer is having a problem with Single Trade Goods (STG) platform, such an officer should quickly get in touch with his or her supervisor.”
He said that STG should not be processed in more than 15 minutes, because its delay would amount to delaying Nigerian trade.
According to him, if any officer delays STG, it means he or she is an enemy of the nation.
He remarked that a customs officer’s job was very important, claiming that the government used revenue collected by the service to pay workers in the country and provide other needs of the people.
The customs boss urged all officers not to encourage smuggling and to respect all rules and guidelines of export.
He warned female officers to desist from plaiting their hair in such a way that would not enable them to wear their beret properly.
“You ladies are also advised to stop wearing tight trousers and always dress the way it is approved by the Board,” he said.
Edike commended officers at the PTML command for displaying discipline, and expressed confidence in the ability of the Area Commander, Mrs Talatu Isa.
“I trust the CAC for her efficiency and hard work; that is why she was given this position,” he said.
He advised officers not to hold on to any document, adding that “If there is any fault, such fault should be checked appropriately”.
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