‘We Prioritize Enabling Trading Environment and Expect Total Compliance’ – Compt. Jaiyeoba

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned port users, particularly importers and their clearing agents to shun all acts of customs trade infractions or be damned, noting that the NCS will not condone acts at variance with the fiscal policies of government.

The warning contained in the Command’s press release showcasing its scorecard for 2023 indicated that the Command generated N1.172 trillion into the coffers of the federal government in 2023. According to the Apapa Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, the above revenue figure is N149.8 billion over and above the sum N1.022 trillion collected in 2022.

The statement by CSC Abubakar Usman, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, further note that while N11.3b collection was recorded on November 22, 2023, the highest daily collection recorded in the history of the NCS; the command also recorded a total of N145b revenue collection in the month of October 2023, representing the highest monthly revenue collection by any customs command since inception.

In anti-smuggling, Jaiyeoba said the command recorded fifty-four (54) seizures with a Duty Paid Value of N22,847,295,900.00, within the period under review. He explained that the seizures  were made due to infractions such as, “contravention of our extant import /export prohibition lists, false declaration, unlawful concealment and others. The seized prohibited items included used clothing, foreign parboiled rice, vegetable oil, tomato paste, etc.”

He noted that the command lived up to its mandate by ensuring enabling trading environment for importers, exporters, shipping companies, terminal operators, bonded warehouse owners and others whose businesses go through customs control; and enjoined all stakeholders to play by the rules or face the consequences.

“Comptroller Jaiyeoba sounded a note of warning to smugglers and traders involved in any form of illegality that Apapa Port is a no-go area as any attempt to test our resolve will be met with seizure of their wares, arrest and prosecution of suspects in accordance with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.”

The statement continues: “The CAC, since assumption of office has ensured that our various stakeholders like importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight forwarding operators and other port users are being regularly educated on the need to be compliant at all times. He reiterated that the command operates an open-door policy where we meet regularly with stakeholders to address matters of common interest.

“The dispute resolution, query and amendment seats have been made more active to address the needs and legitimate demands of port users too. The Controller also urged compliant traders to keep up their good deeds while advising others to emulate the virtue of honesty, noting that integrity is key to the achievement of 48hrs cargo clearance.”

Using the opportunity to solicit the support of all players in the port system, including haulage operators, terminal operators, clearing/forwarding agents, and shipping companies to work towards the achievement of 48hrs cargo clearance in the port, the Apapa Customs boss  said “It is achievable in no distant time if we all play our roles effectively.”

Since his assumption of office, Jaiyeoba has ensured stronger collaboration with sister government agencies like the NPA, Police, NDLEA, NAFDAC, DSS, NAQS, Port Health Service and others in the area and note in the statement:

“We understand the dynamic nature of maritime related crimes and have resolved to keep working together while trying to think ahead of criminal elements who may want to use Apapa Port. The collaboration has yielded gains in our individual services and ensuring Apapa port remains safe for port users”, adding:

“This command is ready to facilitate legitimate trade and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. As we begin the new year, the command is urging port users to always make sincere declarations, keep themselves abreast with import and export prohibitions with a view to abiding by them and paying their customs duties at all times.”

He also thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, and his Management Team for providing the command with the enabling environment to discharge its duties effectively.