KLT Processed 399 Export Containers, Collects N53Bn  ‘23

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT, Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, generated a whooping N53.4 billion in the year 2023, in addition to processing a total of 399 containers of agro products and solid mineral.

Disclosing above, the KLT Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Martina Tilley-Gyado said the above revenue figure represents an increase of 19 percent over 2022 figure by N44,799,280,742.00.

SC Tunde Ayagbalo , the command’s Public Relations Officer quoted Comptroller Tilley-Gyado as attributing the improvements to innovative new strategies put in place, and the commitment of officers and men who keyed into the said strategies and therewith, effectively overcoming some of the prior hurdles at the command.

The statement reads: “The Command under the watch of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Martina Tilley-Gyado, through dedication, innovation, and strategic partnerships overcame its operational challenges to generate a record-breaking fifty-three billion, four hundred and twenty-nine million, six hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and fifteen Naira, N53,429,615,615, in 2023.

“This represents a 19% increase in revenue realized for the same period in 2022.”

In the area of export processing, Ayagbalo said the command has transformed from being a simple export transit hub to a bustling processing center following the establishment of an Export Processing Terminal, EPT, unit at the command.

“Since implementing standardized procedures, the innovation has seen to the export of 399 containers of agro products and solid mineral in 2023, marking a significant shift in its operations.”

Ayagbalo explained that the Command undertook several key activities that impacted positively on the revenue drive for the period under review. These he said include processing and clearance of import and export shipments; conducting risk assessment analysis to ensure compliance with trade regulations; engagement with critical stakeholders to enhance and facilitate legitimate trade; and collaborating with other government and security agencies to enhance security.

Others he said included necessary and proper physical examination of containers; and the boosting of staff morale through upgrading the workspace environment and maintaining proper sanitation.

In anti-smuggling, the command made a seizure of a 1 x 40ft container of expired drugs and supplements, with a Duty Paid Value of seven million, eight hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and fifty-seven, N7000843,957,000.

“While not oblivious of the operational challenges faced in 2023, Comptroller Tilley-Gyado affirms that the unwavering support and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Management team of the Service have been instrumental in achieving the feats. While expressing her gratitude for their support, she reaffirms the commitment of officers and men of KLTC to continuously improving on the Command’s mandate.

Comptroller Tilley-Gyado said the command was given a revenue target of N87.5 billion for the year 2024, noting that all officers and men of the command are expected to buckle up and to work in unity in order to project the integrity of the service at all time; especially also in achieving the command’s 2024 revenue target, despite that the command is not operating at full capacity.

“She also extends her gratitude to all esteemed stakeholders for their contributions to making 2023 a remarkable year and looks forward to a better 2024.”