Customs Makes 2,442 Seizures, Surpassed ‘23 Revenue By 127%

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Despite low volume of imports, harsh operating environment, policy somersaults among other factors, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was able to increase its half year revenue target by 8%, netting a total of N2.74 trillion in revenue receipt.

A release by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, CSC Abdullahi Maiwada said the figure is 127% over and above the collection made half year 2023, attributing the success to a number of performance initiatives which include the service’s e-auction platform and the 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles.

Similarly, while the NCS recorded a total of 2,442 seizures, with the arrests of 32 suspects, in addition to processing 620,467 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs), reflecting a reduction of approximately 39% compared to the same period in 2023.

According to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the report underscores the Service’s commitment to supporting the policy direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The statement reads: “The NCS has achieved remarkable success in the first half of 2024. With a half-year revenue target of N2.54 trillion, the Service has collected N2.74 trillion, surpassing the target by 8% and marking a 127% increase over the previous year’s revenue. N1.395 trillion was collected for the second quarter, exceeding the quarterly target by 10% and representing a 131% increase over Q2 2023.

“Key initiatives contributing to this success include the e-auction platform, which generated over N1.34 billion, and the 90-day duty payment window for uncustomed vehicles, adding N4.37 billion to the revenue. These measures have significantly enhanced transparency, compliance, and efficiency in customs processes, underscoring the NCS’s commitment to excellence.

In anti-smuggling operations, January to June 2024, “the NCS made 2,442 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of NGN 25,520,652,942.87, which is 203% higher than the DPV of seizures in the first half of 2023. In the second quarter of 2024, the NCS made 1,334 seizures with a DPV of NGN 17,564,384,378, representing a 121% increase over the first quarter of 2024.

“The top items seized include wildlife items, vehicles, arms and ammunition, foreign rice, pharmaceuticals, and narcotics, with 32 suspects in custody.”

The NCS said it also recorded a remarkable milestone in its trade facilitation driven by improved work culture and enhanced processes and procedures.

“Trade facilitation remains a core priority for the NCS. In the first half of 2024, the Service processed 620,467 Single Goods Declarations (SGDs), reflecting a reduction of approximately 39% compared to the same period in 2023.

“Despite this decline, the NCS has implemented several key initiatives to simplify and expedite customs processes. These include reinforcement of NCS automation procedures, capacity-building programs for officers, and public-private partnerships to enhance customs clearance efficiency.

“These efforts are crucial for enhancing Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic growth.”

The statement continued: “Additionally, the NCS has recently introduced the Advance Ruling System (ARS), a legally binding decision on classification, valuation, and rules of origin before the importation or exportation of goods. Other pragmatic measures implemented to increase revenue, despite a drop in cargo throughput, included establishing a robust framework for dispute resolution, launching Operation Whirlwind, reshuffling strategic-level officers and robust stakeholders’ engagement.

“Despite the achievements, the NCS faced several challenges in the first half of 2024, including significant fluctuations in the exchange rate, a lower volume of transactions, low compliance levels among importers and exporters, and periodic downtime. These challenges impacted the consistency of revenue collection and overall operational efficiency.

“To address these challenges and enhance revenue collection, the NCS implemented several strategies, including real-time system auditing, post-clearance audits, verification of documents for the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), ensuring compliance with import guidelines, and the implementation of a pilot test for the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) scheme”, the statement added.

While commending officers and men of the NCS for their diligence and commitment, the CGC also acknowledged compliant stakeholders and those who have played significant roles in achieving the performance, even as he reaffirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s dedication to supporting the realisation of government policies for a better Nigeria.