Customs Corner

Customs PTML Command Generates N213 Billion, Engages Stakeholders On Export, Trade Facilitation, Others

Published

1 year ago

December 3, 2022

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has released the revenue generation scorecard of the Command from January to November 2022.

Giving a comparative analysis of the revenue collection within the period under review at the Command Headquarters in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Suleiman Bomai said, A total sum of N213,405,461,873.00 was collected as revenue between the months of Jan-Nov, 2022, compared to Jan-Nov, 2021, which was N205,157,478,605.00 an appreciation of N8,247,983,268.00 translating to an increase of 4%.

“I love challenges, and I would have loved to double that figure, which we can do, but the volume is another thing. If the volume could have remained the way it was, I would have generated at least N1b in this command. But because of the volume, I also interfaced with Grimaldi, and they told me about the external and internal factors which limited the import of vehicles.” He revealed.

Similarly, the CAC while Engaging the Stakeholders harped on the need for constant engagement as directed by the CGC, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd). This he said, is imperative to look always at any loopholes and attend to them immediately.

“Since the inception of this regime, the CGC has directed that there must be engagement because we have looked at the gaps which stemmed from lack of engagement between the NCS and the stakeholders. We also have strategic partners, who have some government agencies that work together with us, and there must be cooperation and synergy, and we cannot achieve that without engagement. The idea of engagement is, let us review what we have done, issues at stake, challenges, and strategies to move forward, and it has to be constant because trade is dynamic.” The CAC reiterated.

Speaking further he said, Nigeria used to be dependent on forex from oil, as over 90% of the Country’s revenue was generated from it, but was taken aback by the global shock which affected prices and values of the oil.

“We had to think out of the box. Any economist knows that it is export that finances import, in that sense, when you export forex, you then use it for the importation of raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished goods. Now that there is a scarcity of forex as a result of lack of inflow due to the drop in the price of oil and so many factors, Nigeria could do better if we encourage our non-oil export to grow in such a way that it can then contribute to the forex inflow into the country because it is through the forex that you get access to it before you can import. That is why I said it is export that finances import, and this time around, it is the non-oil export that we want to grow so they can add to the oil export, thereby increasing the forex. That is why I emphasized export.” He noted.

Also on VIN valuation, the CAC said, NCS is one of the most automated government agencies. “We have the capacity and officers to roll out any product, and when we rolled out the VIN valuation, we sensitized the stakeholders; to me, it is a success story. At the same time, it was not 100% complete because there are what is called the standard and non-standard, and I hope that the latter will soon be automated. If we can do that, then we would have completed the automated process of vehicles.”

“The automation process does not stop there, as even the enforcement aspect is also being automated. The era of someone clearing their vehicle from the port and being stopped along the way by an officer for value checking is gone; now, they have a tab on which they can check if the duty is standard, which takes less time. Some of the beautiful things about the VIN valuation are that we have reduced the cost of clearance, and we have maximally reduced contact because that is the most dangerous thing during the clearing process; it ushers in what I call bilateral tax evasion. When there is contact, the taxpayer and the tax collector connive to cheat 200 million Nigerians.”

“Today, from the comfort of your house, you can pay your duty, do your assessment at the clearing zone and other procedures, and all that will be left is the examination and picking your vehicle, and once it is standard, you have no issues. The only issues we usually have are from the non-standard aspect, where the management is trying to automate, and once that is done, we are good to go.” He explained.

The General Manager of Grimaldi in charge of Commercial, Chioma Ayanonu seconded the CAC’s stance, according to her, Nigeria needs a paradigm shift from oil as there are many untapped potentials in Green energy, Electric cars, etc.

“The need for export cannot be overemphasized, it’s more important now than ever, Nigeria has been heavily dependent on oil. For every seven import containers we bring in, only one goes out as export, there is a huge stock of containers that go out empty when they can load them with export. The more export we can send, the lower we can charge as freight.” She added

Naira Weakens Further to 517 Against Dollar

Customs Corner

Volleyball: Customs Strikes Again, Defeats Saint Denis Olympique at 37th Club Championship in Egypt

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Cynthia Idowu.

The Nigeria Customs Service is not only known for its doggedness in fighting smuggling and generating revenue for the federal government, the service has demonstrated a high level of professionalism in sport at the ongoing 37th Women’s African Volleyball Club in Cairo, Egypt.

The Customs Volleyball Women’s Team defeated its opponent, Saint Denis Olympique, by 3 – 0 to imprint its first win at the ongoing championship on Saturday, 27th of April, 2024.

The team who came out strong displayed the anti-smuggling doggedness with a lead in the first set of the game with a 25 – 21 score, sending shivers down the opponent’s spine.

Coach Pricillia Agera led the team, who displayed good skill and dominance with a nail-biting scoreline of 29-27 to clinge victory and secure a place in the annals of volleyball history.

Coach Priscilla Agera hailed the players for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, recognising the challenges they had overcome to achieve victory on the court.

In her words, “Despite the obstacles we’ve faced, you’ve shown the world what it truly means to be a team. Your resilience, your determination, it’s what sets you apart.”

Agera also commended the unwavering support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, for his steadfast commitment to ensuring the team’s participation in the championship and his instrumentality to their success, providing them with the resources and support they needed to compete at the highest level.

She said, “I appreciate CGC for taking a bold step to allow the team to fly the flag of the nation in this championship.

“I also want to give kudos to the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod, for his approval in ensuring the team returns, not forgetting the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel, for his relentless support for volleyball”.

Nigeria Customs Service will face Mayo Kane Evolution on Sunday in their third match after losing to Kenya Pipeline in their first game on Friday.

Recall that the basketball team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) secured a spot among the top three teams at the recently concluded tournament held at the Indoor Hall of the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abuja.

Customs Corner

Customs Visits Family of Rice Sale Stampede Victims, Rollout Support Strategies

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2024

Onyebuchi Aniekeyi

Customs Visits Family of Rice Sale Stampede Victims, Rollout Support Strategies

By Lucy Nyambi

In a heartwarming gesture, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reached out to the family of Susan Odulaja, one of the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during the sale of 25kg bags of rice in Lagos on February 23, 2024.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, sent a delegation led by the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs/Zonal Coordinator Zone “A,” Hammi Swomen, to visit the family in Jibowu, Lagos State, on Friday, April 26, 2024.

During the visit, the Zonal Coordinator expressed the NCS’s deepest condolences to the family, stating, “We remember the unfortunate incident that led to the loss of four precious lives during the disposal of 25kg bags of rice at a reduced price of N10,000. We are here to support this family and demonstrate our commitment to their well-being.”

This visit marks the second time the NCS has reached out to the family, demonstrating the service’s commitment to showing compassion and empathy to those affected by the tragedy.

“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs to support this family. This is our second visit, but it is to demonstrate our continued support to the family.” He explained.

Commiserating with the widower, Michael Odulaja, ACG Swomen, pledged the NCS’ commitment to work with the family and support them continuously.”The service is mindful of the effects of this loss, and we have pledged to work with this family and support them continuously. “When you are grieving and have people around you, it reduces the trauma. Right now, we are going to report to the CGC, and the service is considering, in concrete terms, what to do going forward,” he stated.

In response, Odulaja appreciated the service representatives for their visit and support. He said, “I thank God and the Nigeria Customs Service for their support. Any support that they give us, I will ensure that I use it wisely and invest it in the children.”

It will be recalled that the Service issued a press statement after the unfortunate incident on the 26 of February 2024, promising to follow up with the families of the stampede victims.

According to the statement, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families during this challenging time, and we assure them of our unwavering support. We are working with the hospital officials to establish contact and engage directly with the victims’ families on the next step.”

Customs Corner

Nigeria Customs Unveils Innovative Strategies at World Border Security Congress

Published

3 days ago

April 29, 2024

Onyebuchi Aniekeyi

Gift Wada

Assistant Comptroller of Customs Sanusi Saulawa has showcased Nigeria’s groundbreaking approaches to trade facilitation at the 2024 World Border Security Congress (WBSC) in Istanbul, Turkey.

Saulawa’s paper, “Enabling Trade Facilitation Under Fragile Borders: Nigeria’s Experience,” emphasised the challenges and opportunities faced by African borders, with Nigeria as a focal point.

The annual WBSC gathers law enforcement agents, industry experts, security analysts, IT vendors, scholars, and representatives from international organisations such as Interpol, WCO, AU, USCBP, UNODC, and OSCE.

The forum serves as a platform for brainstorming and exchanging ideas to address the complex issues surrounding global frontiers.

Saulawa’s presentation highlighted Nigeria Customs’ efforts in trade facilitation, including initiatives like the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Advance Ruling. These strategies aim to streamline border procedures, enhance security, and promote efficient trade flow.

By sharing Nigeria’s experience, Saulawa contributed to the collective effort to find practical solutions to the challenges posed by vast and often fragile borders. His paper underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing border security issues on a global scale.

The presentation solidifies Nigeria’s position as a leader in border management and trade facilitation efforts.