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VENO tv:Apapa Customs Command Declares Over N1tn as First Half Yr 2024 Revenue Collection
Date: 09-07-24

By Felix Mordi

Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it generated a whopping
One Trillion, Twenty-three Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty-three Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-two Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-five Naira, Sixty-three Kobo as its revenue in the first six months of 2024.

This figure, according to the command's Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, represents a remarkable 143% increase, compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

Olomu, at a media briefing on Monday, July 7, stated that, the command, same period in the preceding year, generated Four Hundred and Twenty-one Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-two Million, One Hundred and Sixty-six Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy-eight Naira, Forty-six Kobo.

He, however, attributed the feat in increased revenue collection to diligent efforts and extra measures put in place to prevent revenue loses.

He noted that, notwithstanding the reduction in trade volume, the revenue recovery committee, led by seasoned and dedicated officers, investigated areas of leakages, particularly in bonded terminals under the command, and through their vigilance, were able to bring forth this remarkable revenue collection.

According to the CAC, the command, through intensified anti-smuggling strive, made seizures of several contraband with duty paid value of Four Hundred and Twenty-four Million, One Hundred and Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-five Naira, surpassing the previous yearâ€™s figures.

The seizures, he explained, comprised eleven containers of prohibited items such as expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals, footwear, used clothing, armored cables, and frozen poultry products.

He emphasized that the interception of expired and unregistered pharmaceuticals underscores the command's commitment to protecting citizens from dangerous importations, while also stressing the importance of complying with Customs regulations and the benefits attached to adherence to the rules.

According to the Comptroller, "Honest declarations lead to a credible reputation, faster cargo clearance, and the possibility of becoming an authorized economic operator (AEO)", adding that, "The Apapa Commandâ€™s first-quarter collection is a significant step toward achieving the NCSâ€™s annual target, and stakeholders are urged to continue supporting an efficient system where everyone plays by the rules.

â€œI have a team of dedicated officers, charged with the responsibility of addressing all complaints or disputes within record time before escalation to my office for prompt actionâ€, he said.

While expressing his appreciation to sister agencies, whose collaborative efforts contributed to the milestone seizures, Compt. Olomu also thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for creating the enabling environment for optimal service delivery, and pledged to continually uphold the ideals and philosophy of zero- tolerance for revenue leakages and smuggling.

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