Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded a revenue collection milestone of N2.01 trillion as of November 19, 2024, with a clear target of achieving N2.2 trillion before the end of November, surpassing its December deadline.
The achievement was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a parade of officers on Wednesday. Comptroller Olomu credited the accomplishment to the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who announced a nationwide revenue collection of N5.07 trillion during the recently concluded CGC Conference in Abuja.
Highlighting the command’s significance, Comptroller Olomu revealed that the Apapa Port Command contributed a substantial 40% of the total N5.07 trillion collected by the NCS nationwide. This underscores its critical role in driving revenue performance and maintaining trade facilitation standards across Nigeria.
“Our success aligns with the CGC’s vision of uncompromising enforcement, sustained stakeholder engagement, and efficient trade facilitation. The command is determined to maintain its trajectory of excellence,” Olomu said.
Comptroller Olomu urged officers to intensify efforts against smuggling by ensuring seizures are accompanied by arrests and prosecution of offenders, a move he believes will deter smugglers more effectively.
He also shared updates from the CGC Conference, themed “Engaging Traditional and New Partners With Purpose,” emphasizing its alignment with the World Customs Organization’s focus on partnerships to achieve customs objectives.
Key directives from the conference include:
– Strengthening import and export cargo examinations, including physical inspections when necessary.
– Enhanced access to the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) for enforcement officers.
– Eliminating indiscriminate intervention alerts to ensure seamless operations.
Comptroller Olomu highlighted additional reforms announced at the CGC Conference:
– A ban on commercial activities, such as Point of Sale (PoS) operations, within customs premises.
– Prohibition of customs officers doubling as clearing agents.
– Routine medical checks for officers.
– Recognition and rewards for outstanding officers.
– Plans for the automation of transire processes by Q1 2025.
– Expansion of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Advance Ruling (AR) schemes.
In a move to motivate officers and stakeholders, the Apapa Port Command plans to host an awards night for contributors to its 2024 success. During Wednesday’s parade, units and individuals were recognized for their exceptional performance:
– The Compliance Unit was lauded for recovering over N2 billion in the last three months.
– The Revenue Recovery Unit was recognized for preventing revenue losses of N3 billion within the same period.
– Assistant Comptroller M. Samad received an award for detecting undervaluation cases.
– Inspector of Customs Adamu Bashir was honored as the Best Dressed and Most Punctual Officer.
Comptroller Olomu reaffirmed the command’s commitment to achieving its revenue target and sustaining operational excellence, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in meeting national goals.