Apapa Customs Sets Record with N489 Billion Revenue Collection in Q1 2024, Exceeds 2023 Figures by Over 100%

 


Joyce Mmereole Okoli

In a remarkable achievement, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has shattered records by collecting a staggering N489.6 billion in total revenue during the first quarter of 2024. This impressive figure marks a significant milestone, surpassing the N212.5 billion collected during the same period in 2023 by over 100%.

Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, commended the dedication and cooperation of officers and port stakeholders, attributing their collective efforts to this remarkable feat. Emphasizing the importance of sustained compliance, Jaiyeoba underscored the critical role played by the Apapa Command in achieving the NCS’s annual revenue target of N5.7 trillion for 2024.

Jaiyeoba highlighted the essential role of adherence to customs regulations, including the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff, and Federal Government approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). He reiterated the significance of compliance, emphasizing the benefits it brings, such as the recently launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.

The CAC expressed gratitude for the commitment and diligence of officers, reaffirming the confidence vested in them by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Customs Management. He emphasized the importance of honest declaration, noting its advantages in reputation building, fast-track clearance, and potential eligibility for AEO status.

Furthermore, Jaiyeoba emphasized the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of compliance, stressing that it saves time and money for importers/exporters while facilitating smoother cargo clearance processes. He pledged to continue engaging stakeholders to sustain the momentum and further enhance revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts in the coming quarters of 2024.

 “I want to urge all stakeholders in Apapa Port to keep supporting us in achieving an efficient system where everyone plays by the rules to achieve smoother, seamless, and faster import/export cargo clearance

“Making honest declaration puts the declarant at a vantage position to have a credible reputation and enjoy the benefits that come with earned integrity such as fast track and possible migration to the authorised economic operator(AEO)

” Such attitude of compliance saves time and money as examination officers would find the cargo less cumbersome to process and other units of the service including sister government organisations would not need to flag such cargo for seizure or arrest of the importers/exporters. The cargo gets cleared on time, and payments for penalties after demand notices are not necessary as no DN is issued on compliant import/export.

” I will continue my weekly engagement of stakeholders at various levels to sustain the tempo of our achievements and consolidate on the gains from regular enlightenment of every member of the port community.

“As we step into the second quarter to end the first half of 2024, I am convinced we will do better in revenue collection, facilitate more trade through our port and prevent smuggling under any guise” he stated.

The record-breaking revenue collection by the Apapa Command underscores its pivotal role in driving economic growth and ensuring compliance within Nigeria’s customs framework. With a firm commitment to upholding integrity and efficiency, Apapa Customs sets a high standard for customs operations nationwide, paving the way for enhanced trade facilitation and revenue generation.

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