NCS projects N5.079 Trillion revenue in 2024

   ...set to inaugurate electronic auction (e-auction) platform 

.... generates N3,206 Trillion revenue, seizes 3,806 illicit items worth N16Bn in 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID

In line with government economic objectives for the fiscal year 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service has been allocated a revenue target of NGN5.079 trillion, a move that signifies government's confidence in the Service capabilities and underscores it's important role contributing to the nation's fiscal well-being.

Speaking with journalists at the Service headquarters Abuja, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, disclosed this adding that numerous strategic initiatives and other operational reforms are anticipated to positively impact the Service's performance in achieving the revenue goal.

According to him, numerous strategic initiatives will help poised the Nigeria Customs Service performance in the coming months and these include - "Introduction of Advanced Ruling system, aligning NCS operations with global best practices and meeting the recommendations of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA). 

"Additionally, inauguration of a Steering Committee on the Implementation of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) for Compliant Traders underscores our readiness to transition from Fastrack 2.0 to the AEO concept. Engagements with the international community, such as those with the World Customs Organization (WCO), JICA, and Japan Customs, focused on key areas is expected to lead to the implementation of the Customs Laboratory, adoption of geospatial technology, and the conduct of a Time Release Study. Collaborative efforts with the Customs Administration of the Republic of Benin, the revitalization of zonal structures, and integration of Customs institutions into the administrative framework all contribute to NCS's commitment to efficient service delivery and positive stakeholder relationships. 

"The NCS also responded to changes in legislation, engagement with the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC), initiated Corporate Social Responsibility projects, integrated efforts with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), enhanced personnel welfare programs, and introduced the Work-Life Balance (WLB) initiative. In the upcoming week, the NCS is set to inaugurate an electronic auction (e-auction) platform, strategically designed to enhance transparency in the auction process."

The CGC explained that the collective actions signify NCS's dedication to enhancing staff welfare and sustaining optimal performance.

He further noted that as NCS addresses the challenges and opportunities in 2024, the Service is steadfast in its commitment to implementing these strategies and exploring practical approaches to meet the heightened revenue target. 

"This commitment aligns with the NCS's ongoing dedication to efficiency, excellence, and positive contributions to Nigeria's economic landscape," he says. 

Emphasizing the importance of efficiency and transparency,the Customs Boss noted that "NCS will maintain a zero-tolerance stance towards indiscipline and non-compliance in the year 2024. It is imperative for all officers and stakeholders to adhere strictly to established procedures and regulations. 

"Maximum cooperation is expected from every stakeholder in the customs operations. The success of our collective efforts depends on the discipline and commitment of each member. Let this be a year where every action is aligned with the principles of efficiency, transparency, and revenue optimization with overall aim of contributing meaningfully to the economic prosperity of our nation."  

"Show excellent examples in punctuality, timelines and overall discipline"

-Comptroller Yusuf advices newly promoted PTML Officers

 ZAINAB JUNAID 

Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, Customs Area Controller of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command has admonished all newly promoted officers under his watch to grow into their new ranks by showing excellent examples in punctuality, timelines and overall discipline.

Comptroller Yusuf who congratulated all the promoted officers reminded them of the virtue of punctuality being one of the area to achieve productivity.

While commending the officers for their compliant level in keeping the good image of the area as a model port, he added  that being time conscious is a mark of discipline that every officer should uphold. 

He added that being on one's duty posts at all times and when necessary will help in revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling. 

Comptroller Yusuf said "I want to urge all promoted officers to grow into their new ranks by showing excellent examples to their subordinates, loyal to the service and respectful to their superiors. 

" Our time release study on cargo clearance is hinged on the word time. Faster cargo clearance for which we have hit a record breaking three hours release of cargo for compliant traders, rely on timeliness. We couldn't have achieved this if we were late comers. 

"Let your resumption time be observed as you have been doing. Keep it up and the sky will be your limit in all you do" 

"Your new rank is not the end. In fact it is the beginning of more tasks. Our Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR believes in results. Say no to giving excuses 

"Stakeholders,customs partnership is in our new law. We at PTML will continue to follow that step. From engagements,challenges are easily identified for solutions to be discovered"the CAC said

For officers still expecting promotion, Comptroller Yusuf advised them  to keep working hard towards it as it will manifest in due time

Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the promoted officers, newly decorated Chief Superintendent of Customs  ME Ojo Ede thanked President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Finance and Chairman of NCS Board, Mr Wale Edun; the CGC Wale Adeniyi and the Customs Area Controller for their leadership

Speaking on behalf of  stakeholders who witnessed the event, Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha Board of Trustee Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) congratulated the officers 

FHC Convicts 16 offenders for contravening Customs law in 2023- Ejibunu

 …says 136 persons were arrested in South West Zone, made 1,119 seizures worth N10.39Bn in 2023

ZAINAB JUNAID

Comptroller Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu, Controller Federal Operations Unit Zone A, of the Nigeria Customs Service, has revealed that sixteen (16) people were convicted through Federal High Courts in 2023 for committing offences of improper importation, assault of Customs Officers, being in possession of foreign parboiled rice and for being in possession of Pangolin scales meant for export.

He made the disclosure at a press briefing held on Wednesday January 10, 2024, to reveal the scorecards made by FOU in 2023.

Comptroller Ejibunu said a total number of 136 persons were arrested at various points within the Zone's area of responsibility. 

The culprits were suspected to be smugglers, and after due diligence of uncompromising of profiling and investigation, they were charged to court and are at different stages of prosecution.

According to him, "16 people were convicted through the Federal High Courts for committing offences of improper importation, assault of Customs officers, being in possession of foreign parboiled rice and for being in possession of Pangolin scales meant for export.

"Some other smuggling related cases instituted in the courts are at various stages of prosecution and would be followed up diligently. This year 2024, we shall continue, through our legal seat, to follow all pending court cases to logical conclusions."

On seizures made, Comptroller Ejibunu said, "Last year we made 1,119 seizures worth a total duty paid value of N10,395,123,943; comprising of rice, vehicles, marijuana, tramadol, used tyres, poultry products, footwears, petroleum products etc. The most prominent of the seizures is foreign parboiled rice which amounted to 139 trailer loads (83,170 bags of 50kg).

He went further disclosing other seizures made in the period under review to include- 13,706 kegs by 25 litres of PM; 8,372 Kg of Indian Hemps; 2,942 pieces of tyres;2,153 bales of used clothes; 3,095 cartons of frozen poultry; 320 cartons illicit drugs; 15 pieces of bullet proof jackets, 15 pieces of jack knives, and 68 pieces of military camouflage; 450 drums X 106 kg of carbide; 1 X 40 ft and 2 X 20 ft containers found to contain charcoal; 132 units of foreign used vehicles; among others.

He stressed that the report of seizures and arrests made attests to the relentless and uncompromising enforcement deployed by operatives of the Unit in the fight against smuggling in 2023.

According to him, “It is indeed a fallout of the positive energy and selflessness we displayed in the course of our work.

Although, as a unit charged with anti-smuggling function in the South West Zone, overseeing an area with international borders, busiest airport in Nigeria, and the two largest sea ports in the country, FOU Zone A area of responsibility is indeed wide. However, with the morale and logistics support from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, we were able to prosecute the fight against smuggling diligently by making seizures, effecting arrests and collecting revenue for government in the course of discharging our functions,” he noted.

On the revenue generated Comptroller Ejibunu said the unit was able to recover a total of N851,719,905.01 as revenue through meticulous document checking.

“We were able to identify shortfalls in duty payments from which demand notices were issued and accurate revenue were recovered. These are revenues that would have been lost by the federal government to the pockets of some uncompliant business men.

“I want to reiterate that our battle to prevent smuggling will be intensified this year as we shall not relent in making seizures, arrests and prosecution of criminals who contravene the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. If they don't desist from their criminal ways, this year will be tougher for them because they will lose their investments and freedom when arrested.

“Let me put on record that we shall lawfully arrest and prosecute any individual involved in the attack of our officers who are discharging their legitimate responsibilities. No attacker of our personnel will be spared from facing the full wrath of the law,” he warned violators.