BY FUNMI ALUKO
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba has commended his officers and men, including port stakeholders for the display of high level compliance which he said has resulted very impressive scorecard in revenue collection, first quarter of 2024.
This is even as he disclosed that the command collected a total sum of N489,614,095,022.15 in revenue receipt for the first quarter of 2024, which is over a hundred per cent higher than the N212.5b collected within the corresponding period of 2023.
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According a release by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Abubakar Usman, Jaiyeoba while commending the stakeholders and his officers and men noted that the Command has a critical role to play in the realisation of the NCS N5.7tr annual target for 2024, and stressed that all hands should be on deck to achieve it.
Comptroller Jaiyeoba said, “the almost N 2 trillion target the command is expected to collect in 2024 is attainable through diligently abiding by the service books of instructions like the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, government import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff and Federal Government approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).”
While also thanking the officers for their punctuality, diligence, and non compromise in the discharge of their responsibilities, Jaiyeoba reminded them of the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Customs Management confidence vested in them.
This is even as he reminded them that the present customs management has created room for multiple benefits for those who operate in compliance with the rules; noting that the recently launched AEO is one of such benefits.
“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”, adding:
“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.”