Customs

Ikeja, Jan. 11, 2024: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) collected N1.172 trillion in revenues from Apapa Port in 2023.

Area Controller of the NCS at the ports, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, made the declaration on Wednesday in Lagos during the decoration of newly-promoted officers and men of the command.

He noted that the officers decorated on Wednesday contributed immensely to attaining the revenue collection.

“When I assumed duty in September 2023, I discovered that we were far from realising our revenue collection target; so we thought out strategies on the way forward.

“We embarked on daily strategic meetings and these officers who were part of the team as terminal or sectional heads pushed to ensure we met the target.

“That is why we are honouring them today,’’ he said.

Jaiyeoba appreciated the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGS), Mr Adewale Adeniyi for his interest in the welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

He noted that when Adeniyi became head of the NCS in June 2023, he promised that its officers and men would get their promotions when due and the promise was kept.

“Today, I am expressing my gratitude to the CGC for this and also commend officers and men of the service, especially those of Apapa Command for their contributions to the service.

“Promotion does not come from anybody but from God and from hard work in active service; promotion means more work, so more is required of you,’’ he told the promoted officers.

Jaiyeoba enjoined those not promoted not to despair, but to be more dedicated to their jobs as there was always another chance for promotion.

“With this promotion, more is expected from us in terms of revenue collection because soon, revenue target will be issued and we should understand that the target will increase,’’ he said.

In his goodwill message, Mr Nasiru Ibrahim, Director, Department of State Security, Apapa Command, said the Customs Service had done well by beginning the year with the promotion of officers.

He said the promotion indicated that a lot of good tidings would come the way of the Customs Service in 2024.

“Promotion in the Customs Service comes with revenue collection target and the promoted officers need to be loyal, focused and dedicated to their duties.

“The service has a CGC that connects with all stakeholders, therefore, all officers should connect with stakeholders for the service to grow further,’’ he said.

A clearing agent who graced the occasion, Mr Akeem Olanrewaju charged customs officers on attitudinal change, stressing that attitude mattered in their official and private engagements.

“Customs officers have the right to do their job, but they should do it with decorum.

“If they are holding a customer’s cargo, explanations should be given on why the cargo is held so that there will not be any issue,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 74 officers were promoted at the Apapa Command on Wednesday.

Abuja, Jan 5, 2024: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it cannot afford to disappoint the country in realising its N5 trillion revenue target for 2024.

Its Comptroller General, Adewale Adeniyi, said this shortly after decorating some promoted officers of the service on Thursday, in Abuja

Adeniyi, while urging the personnel to assiduously work hard to meet the target, said that achieving the 5 trillion revenue target by the service was feasible.

“We have a country, where economic operators, importers, exporters, depend a lot on our processes, on our commitment and on our efficiency for their own business.

”We cannot afford to disappoint these stakeholders. We cannot afford to disappoint the economy.

”We cannot afford to disappoint the president who has given us this opportunity and special privilege to be in charge of this critical aspect of our economic development,” he said,

Adewale said that achieving its revenue target of N5 trillion was feasible with the cooperation of the service key stakeholders and the dedication of its staff.

He said that the country was confronting daunting challenges and needed the support of everyone to overcome and move the economy forward.

He solicited the support of the National Assembly, specifically committees responsible for oversight functions on the service, in the discharge of duties and achieving the feat.

He charged the decorated officers to drive the process as some of its finest personnel, especially as some of them were beneficiaries of the service’s special promotion scheme for  excellent performances of duties.

“My charge to all officers and men of the Nigeria customs service in 2024 is to realise the burden put on our shoulder and work assiduously together as a team to realise  the mandate before us,”  he said.

According to him, promotion assessment in the service would be continually reviewed for improvement.

He added that the promotion of the officers was a demonstration of his commitment to motivate staff and improve on their welfare.

“ What we have just seen is an indication of our strong commitment to promoting issues of welfare and career progression among all our officers,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the decorated officers, Assistant Comptroller Ify Ogbodu assured the C-G of working hard to deliver the mandate of the service, particularly in enhancing service delivery, professionalism, diligence and adhering to principles of integrity.

Adeniyi at the budget defence for 2024, had told the legislators that the customs revenue target for 2023 was N3.684 trillion and the sum of N2.959 trillion had been generated so far.

Lagos, Dec. 16, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it will laise with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, on barging as a regulatory function rather than a revenue thing.

Comptroller Dera Nnadi, in charge of Tincan Island Command of NCS, said this at the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) annual conference on Friday in Lagos.

A barge is a boat with flat bottom developed for transporting goods through the rivers and canals that large vessels cannot go through.

Nnadi said the main idea of going into barging for cargo evacuation was to ease traffic on the road for vehicles.

On the concerns at the port, Nnadi said there was the need for stakeholders in the maritime industry to be selfless and truthful to the government in pushing out the right policy.

“Cargo integrity is very important, there are inconsistencies in export document, issues of concealment, undervaluation, issue of scanning which is a global trend for trade facilitation.

“90 per cent of stakeholders do not want to use scanners because cargo integrity is compromised and this results to delay.

“For terminal operators, they have issue with equipment but with good planning this can be achieved.

“For cargoes that are homogenous, if some are examined without infractions, others can be released,” he said.

Nnadi said the command had instituted weekend work to ease cargo evacuation.

He, however, lamented that both customs officials and stakeholders due come to work late.

He said that to ensure 24 hours work operate there should be an enabling environment in form of security and lightening and this should be provided by the Nigerian Ports Authority.

He urged shipping companies to stop the re-routing of containers to designations not meant for it as this causes delay in trade.

Earlier, Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, said the service would set in motion machinery that would be used to solve issues facing trade facilitation.

Adeniyi said the forum should be a regular thing to help customs brainstorm with stakeholders for enhanced growth and development.

“We exist as an organisation because of our stakeholders and the strategic importance of Lagos, because if Lagos sneezes, others will catch cold.

“So, as equal partners, we should come around often and talk around those things that will make our relationship better.

“I have been abreast of the number of places where the shoe pinches you, the list given to me may not be exhausted today but we will dwell on most of them,” he said.

Abuja, Dec. 12, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it plans to generate N6 trillion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the Federal Government in 2024.

The NCS Comptroller-General, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, stated this at the 2024 budget defense before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation on Monday in Abuja.

Adeniyi said that the amount was higher than the N5 trillion originally projected in the budget.

“I share the optimism of increasing the revenue to N6 trillion in 2024. So, N6 trillion revenue in 2024 is possible,’’ he said.

He the service would be able to generate the N6trillion revenue if the federal government reduced concession grants in 2024.

‘’The new law will also help us to facilitate a number of issues that will make revenue generation possible,’’ he said.

He frown at frequent import waivers by government, saying that it was one of the factors that had impeded revenue generation.

‘’If we can get N1.8 trillion in one year that shows the N6 trillion revenue for 2024 is achievable,” he said.

He said many of the goods at the ports were yet to be cleared, adding that when the NCS looked into its system, a number of bill laden were not opened.

He said when an internal audit was conducted, it showed that the NCS realised over N11 billion from that exercise, adding that there were still lots of goods yet to be cleared.

Speaking on import duty exception, Adeniyi said it was usually a presidential order given through the Minister of Finance.

Rep. Abubakar Bitchi, the Chairman of the Committee, commended Adeniyi for his efforts to generate more revenue for the government.

“Is there a possibility to increase your revenue, we will be glad if you can make it N6 trillion for 2024,’’ he said.

Bitchi said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu would not be achieved unless the revenue generating agencies increased their targeted revenue.

He said the 2024 appropriation bill was laudable, adding that it would only materialise if there was enough money to meet the N27.5 trillion budget.

Lagos, Dec. 11, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command, has intensified awareness campaign to promote trade, reward compliance and improve the economies of Kano and Jigawa states.

Comptroller Ibrahim Chana, Customs Area Controller of the command, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Chana said the command had intensified awareness campaign for its Fast Trade 2.0 programmes aimed at promoting trade, reward compliance and improve the economies of Kano and Jigawa states.

Chana recalled that the campaign was part of the issues talked about during his recent visits to manufacturers, importers and other stakeholders in the two states.

He, however, urged them to imbibe the virtue of compliance as a bedrock to building a track record of integrity in business.

He added that the FT2.0 would reward compliance and facilitate trade by admitting traders based on their adherence to regulations and contributions to trade in Nigeria.

Chana who had visited Pop cola Beverage factory, MC Plastics, Ammasco Oil manufacturing company and others said the system would streamline trade processes, promote compliance, and create a more efficient and rewarding environment for traders.

“I have had course to visit a host of industry players like Pop cola factory, MC Plastics and Ammasco Oil to mention a few and I appreciated them for their efforts.

“I took the opportunity to sensitise them of service features such as the fast track 2.0 option, designed to optimise and streamline their trading activities,” he said.

Chana noted that the command generated N6.9 billion in November, the highest revenue in its history.

Chana, however, expressed optimism that the unprecedented N6.9 billion total revenue collected in November would lead to more collections in the remaining part of 2023.

He also reassured of greater feats in 2024.

“In comparison to last year’s efforts, the command has performed well in terms of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling operations.

“When compared to the previous year’s record of N2.4 billion in October 2022, the current year’s record is N5.6 billion which represents 126.9 per cent increase.

“This was topped in November 2023 when the command attained the astonishing milestone of N6.9 billion, the highest revenue collected thus far,” he said.

Lagos, Nov. 24, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Command, has generated N135 billion for the month of October, the highest monthly collection in its history.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, said this in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abubakar Usman, on Thursday in Lagos.

Jaiyeoba added that the command achieved a landmark revenue collection feat with the generation of N11.3 billion on Nov. 22, thereby surpasssing the existing highest daily collection record of N10 billion which was achieved on Aug. 3.

He described the collection as a fallout of teamwork, system audit, compliance and zero compromise.

Jaiyeoba, however, urged officers of the command to sustain the tempo of hard work.

He explained that the recent daily and monthly revenue collection achievements should be a motivation for officers to do more to justify the confidence invested in the service by the Federal Government.

Jaiyeoba enjoined them to meet the expectations of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in the areas of maximum revenue collection, legitimate trade facilitation and suppression of smuggling.

He urged members of the Apapa port community such as importers, licensed customs agents, chandlers, haulage operators, and freight forwarders to see compliance and obedience to laws as part of their civic responsibility as citizens.

“My office is open for dialogue and suggestions on ways to improve customs service delivery and achieve Federal Government objectives.

“I appreciate the various Federal Government agencies for their cooperation, as customs relationship with them is excellent, all geared towards realising government goals,” he said.

He pointed out that they are very optimistic about meeting their target for the year, even though, from the initial part of the year, it was not what was expected.

“From what we have been recording in the last two months, I am very optimistic that we will be able to get there.

“`What we need is the willpower and the willpower is there. I know that by the end of the year, we will have cause to celebrate,” he said.

He urged sister agencies to stick to their standard operating procedures which they had always maintained.

“The issue is just with these non-governmental organisations, and we will continue to urge them to play the game by the rules.

“Whether you are an agent or licensed chandler, there is a condition for your license.The condition for every operator is spelt out. If we all play according to the rules of the game, there will be less friction in securing the port,” he said.

Lagos, Nov. 16, 2023: The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has generated N74.29 billion through customs duty and other charges from January to October 2023.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Mohammed Yusuf, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

Yusuf said the figure represented a growth of N14.23 billion or 23.69 per cent when compared with N60.06 billion achieved in the comparative period of 2022.

He added that the command had met 76.34 per cent of its annual target.

“This was made possible as a result of resilience of officers in ensuring that agents were made to do proper declarations and adhere strictly to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws,” he said.

On anti-smuggling activities, he said the command was not resting on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade guidelines.

“The command has intercepted unregistered pharmaceutical products suspected to be Tramadol tablets of 225mg coming from India and Pakistan.

“The shipment was intercepted on the suspicion of exceeding the approved threshold by the Federal Government.

“The cumulative Duty Paid Value of the aforementioned items stood at N3.57bn and will be handed over to the required authority,” he said.

In the area of stakeholder’s engagement, he said the command had maintained an open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.

“Let me also at this juncture thank our critical stakeholders, sister agencies and the media for their collaborative efforts and synergy while carrying out our statutory mandate in the state.

“I want to thank the Controller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for providing an enabling environment and also urge officers of the command to remain focused and steadfast in discharging their assigned responsibilities,” he said.

Badagry (Lagos State), Nov.15, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Area Command, Lagos State, said on Tuesday that it generated a total sum of N3.05 billion in 10 months.

The Controller of Customs in the command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, disclosed this to newsmen at a news conference in Seme, Lagos.

Bomodi said the command would continue to sustain tempo in harnessing all revenue components to achieve desired goals.

“The target for the command for the year 2023 is N1,966,000,000 Only.

“As of the end of October 2023, the command has collected N3,050,100, 912.28 only.

“The revenue figure collected exceeded the allotted target of NI,966,000,000 by N1,084,100,912.28 only, which represents a 55.1 per cent increase.

“The successes recorded could be attributed to strategies adopted by the leadership of the command to check revenue loopholes in partnership with our stakeholders to ensure compliance,” he said.

Speaking on seizures, Bomodi said the command intercepted 3,805 bags of foreign rice, 1,756 jerrycans of petrol and others with duty paid value of N326,272,794 only between September and October.

“The seizures are 3,805 50kg bags of rice about seven trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, 1,756 jerrycans of petrol equivalent to 52,680 liters.

“1,379 of general merchandise goods, hard drugs and narcotics about 40 parcels of Cannabis Sativa and two used vehicles,” he said.

The controller added that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

Bomodi commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, for his support to the command.

He also appreciated the Seme Badagry community for their cooperation and officers and men of the command for their gallantry and patriotism.

Lagos, Nov. 8, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says port decongestion and transformation of Nigeria into Africa’s most efficient trading nation will enhance the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in the port.

The Controller General of Customs (CGC), Comptroller Adewale Adeniyi, said this at the 43rd Annual Council Meeting and 18th Roundtable of Managing Directors/Exhibition of the Port Management Association of West and Central African (PMAWCA).

The meeting hosted by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday in Lagos had the theme: ‘The Role of Ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area.’

Adeniyi added that enforcement of the Presidential Directive for the 48-hour clearance of goods at seaports in accordance with Executive Order 001 would enhance AfCFTA benefits.

“Furthermore, we are redefining performance measures for key government agencies to emphasise trade facilitation, implementing the National Single Window trading platform.

“Also is the launching of a comprehensive transformational program to support exports development,” he said.

He noted that the establishment of a ministry in charge of blue economy and marine by the current administration would unlock the vast potential within the maritime sector and drive the nation’s economic prosperity.

“This step is not only in line with a commitment to harness the wealth of opportunities in trade, but also aligns perfectly with our dedication to achieving the objectives of continental free trade.

“It is a powerful reminder that in this era of increased collaboration and interdependence, customs and maritime industry must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of these initiatives,” he said.

He also stressed the need to ensure enhanced predictability for business and customs to ensure that only qualifying goods participate in the agreement.

“Separation of certification from regular procedure, certifications and associated verification should now occur before export clearance, streamlining processes, and ensuring that only eligible goods receive necessary documentation,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, the Executive Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA, called for investment in infrastructure to position West and Central Africa as a HUD.

According to Awolowo, developing and upgrading port facilities, including modernising terminals, enhancing connectivity through road and rail networks, and investing in technological advancements to facilitate efficient cargo handling and transit is needed.

“There is a need to encourage closer collaboration among West and Central African countries to align regulations and standards across the region to minimise non-trade barriers, ensuring a consistent and smooth operational environment for businesses in the maritime sector.

“I recommend collaborations among member states, international organisations, and private sector entities to leverage expertise, resources, and best practices for the development of the blue economy.

“Encouraging public-private partnerships can accelerate infrastructure development and technology adoption,” he said.

Ms Demitta Gyang, Senior Advisor, Customs Administration, AfCFTA, noted that AfCFTA would enable Africa to create volumes to be carried by the transport and logistics sector.

According to her, there is a need to attract investment to support the volume that will boost the economy.

“African regions had achieved 92 per cent on roles of origin.

“The transport sector stands to benefit most because of the volume that will be moved from one point to another and so this agreement is a commitment by member states,” she said.

Lagos, Nov. 3, 2023: The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Lilypond Export Command, has facilitated the exportation of 12,438 containers with a Free On Board value of $518.69 million between January and September 2023.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, said in a statement on Thursday in Lagos and described the command as a one-stop shop for export business, saying that the current government policy in Nigeria requires zero duty payment for export.

“Exporters don’t pay export duties, except on special occasions where goods that were otherwise imported and are being re-exported. They pay 2.5 per cent levy on the current value of the goods with the government’s permission,” he said.

Odusanya gave a data analysis of exports the command had facilitated within the last one year.

“From January to the end of September, the command has facilitated the export of 12,438 export containers. If you break them down, we have 6524 × 20-foot containers and 5914 × 40-foot containers with a FOB value of $518,690,852.93.

“For the goods, we have agricultural produce such as cocoa, cashew, soya, ginger, hibiscus flower (zobo leaves), cotton, sesame seeds and others.

“Also are locally manufactured goods like cigarettes, cosmetic items, beverages and solid minerals such as aluminium, copper, magnesium, lithium and zinc.

“We have other sundry commodities like foodstuff, personal effects and others,” he said.

Also, Maritime Union Chairman, Lilypond Export Terminal-unit, Mr Augustine Umunnakwe, said the command was efficient in terms of work but it had challenges with shipping companies because of less manpower.

The Head of Processing, Diamond Star Port and Terminal Ltd., Mr Abdulsalam Babtunde, said that as an export processing terminal, there was a strong relationship and collaboration with the shipping lines and government agencies.

“We facilitate the processing at the port; we work with the major shipping lines and the terminal; we confirm the bookings to ensure that whatever leaves this terminal goes directly to the vessel; we ensure their quality and their quantity.

“We do not do it alone. We work with Nigerian Ports Authority and Customs Service as well and make sure that we do not export anything that has not been duly released by Customs,” Babatunde said.

Mr Emmanuel Ekle, the Principal Trade Promotion Officer at Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) Southwest, said that registration for exporters was a seamless process that was done online.