‘Familiarize With Customs Act On Excise Compliance’- Wadinda Charge Operators

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Lagos Industrial Command, Comptroller Sarah Wadinda has enjoined excise manufacturers and producers of drinks and excise products within the state industrial sector to make themselves familiar with the 2023 Customs Act in relation to excise laws, tax, control and obligations. Comptroller Wadinda who dropped the charge during a meeting with stakeholders in her office, hinting that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will leave nothing to chance in ensuring that all excise activities within the state is captured into the revenue control system from all factories producing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

A group photo with stakeholders and principal officers after the meeting

According to a statement by the Command Public Relations Officer, J.D Tomo, the LIAC boss further charged stakeholders to exhibit responsible corporate behaviour and partnership in all its excise obligations and align with the NCS leadership policy thrust on collaboration, consolidation and innovation.

The statement reads: “The CAC on Thursday, 13 February 2025 had a maiden meeting with all Heads of Unit of the Command and stakeholders. The meeting was held to strengthen collaboration with excise stakeholders for a better revenue drive in LIAC. She reiterated that she would work towards achieving an enhanced effective cooperation between the LIAC and excise traders on trade facilitation and excise regulation compliance.”

Tomo explained that the CAC reminded stakeholders of the command’s responsibility to supervise, collect and account for excise duty; noting that under her watch, the command will ensure that nothing comes short of its statutory mandate.

“During the maiden meeting at the LIAC conference hall, the CAC pledged her allegiance to the Comptroller General of Customs’ policy thrust, which are consolidation, collaboration and innovation. She enjoined all officers and men of the Command to be committed and dedicated in their various schedules towards achieving the policy thrust for an enhanced Excise duty collection.

“The Lagos Industrial Area Command monitors the production processes, ensuring compliance with Excise regulations, and facilitate trade by providing necessary support and guidance to Excise traders. She further encouraged stakeholders to acquire the knowledge of the established NCS laws for a seamless excise trade and a stronger trade relationship with the command.”

This is even as Wadinda pledged to build and improve on the legacy left by her predecessor, Comptroller Rebecca Chokor, who retired in December, 2024.

Wadinda assumed the office on Thursday, 6 February 2025 upon her appointment by the Comptroller General of Customs Service (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Upon resumption, the CAC in a meeting with officers and men affirmed her commitment to facilitate trade, and increase the command’s revenue in line with the CGC’s policy thrust.

According to Tomo, Comptroller Wadinda is a transformative officer with impressive work credentials, having served across various area commands, stations and departments.