Customs Corner

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

Published

12 months ago

December 3, 2022

Author: Cynthia Idowu; Lagos.

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

Related Topics:Customs PTML Command NCBN NCS

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Customs Corner

Customs Ogun 1 Command Intercepts 975 Rounds of Live Cartridges Concealed in Bags of Rice

Published

1 hour ago

November 29, 2023

GiftUgbede

Author: Lucy Nyambi

Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, have intercepted 975 Rounds of live Cartridges of red star ammunition Concealed in Bags of Rice.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, who disclosed this to newsmen on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, stated that the seizure was made following an
intel that the 5 bags of foreign parboiled rice containing live cartridges of red star ammunition had been carefully hidden in a bush path along the Palace/Ayetoro road, Imeko Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The CAC stated that the bags of rice were suspected because of the unusual threading and sewing of the sacks.

He said, “During the examination, about 975 rounds of red star live cartridges were found to have been ingeniously concealed in the bags.”

“We have intensified efforts at tracking down the perpetrators of this nefarious act for them to be brought to justice.” He added

Shuaibu reiterated the Command’s resolve to promote national security and the country’s economic well-being.

He appreciated the gallant Officers and Men for their bravery and commended the patriotism of informants for their partnership.

He further called on well-meaning Nigerians with helpful intel to collaborate with the Service in enhancing the security of the nation.

Customs Corner

Comptroller Channa Visits Jigawa State Governor, Deliberates Collaboration

Published

2 hours ago

November 29, 2023

GiftUgbede

Author: Ibe Wada.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana, has paid a courtesy visit to Jigawa State Governor, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi.

Comptroller Chana, while highlighting his aim of the visit, focused his discussion on the development and advancement of the Maigatari Free Trade Zone (FTZ) within the state, stressing the need to use strategic tools to enhance ties and opportunities.

In a statement signed on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, by Superintendent of Customs Saidu Nuruddeen, the Public Relations officer of the Command, Chana listed the potential of the Maigatari FTZ in alleviating poverty, reducing unemployment, and enhancing the incomes of the state’s residents, thereby promising an open door policy and maximum support to ensure that the Maigatari FTZ achieves its full potentials.

The CAC further reiterated that the Maigatari Free Trade Zone would boost economic opportunities, attract investment, as promote suitable growth, with particular attention given to the export potential within the state.

In his response, the Executive Governor, Mallam Umar, affirmed his dedication to supporting the Customs Command in achieving its core mandates, as it aligns with his agenda to improve trade and commerce within the state.

He explained that the meeting underscores a shared commitment to collaborative initiatives that will advance the economic landscape of Jigawa State.

“It represents a strategic partnership between federal and state authorities, aimed at fostering economic growth and enriching trade opportunities within the state.” He concluded.

Customs Corner

Customs FOU Zone B Records 264 Seizures Worth N2.8 Million

Published

2 hours ago

November 29, 2023

GiftUgbede

Author: Gift Wada.

The Comptroller, Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Comptroller Chedi Wada, said the Unit, since his resumption, has recorded a total of 264 seizures of 21 different items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N2,888,460,294.68.

Comptroller Wada stated this on Tuesday during a Press Briefing on the Unit’s activities, held at the Command Headquarters in Kaduna. He attributed the success to the intelligence drive and improved strategies of the Unit.

“I am happy to announce that so far, the Unit has recorded a total of Two Hundred and Forty-Two (264) seizures of 21 Different items between the date of my resumption and now, which also clearly speaks of our resolve as a Unit to continue to improve on our strategies and overall performances by building on the strong foundations we inherited,” he said.

Seizures made include Vehicles (18 Means of) conveyance), 2991 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (50Kg) worth 202,202,737.20, 25 Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice (25 each) worth 994,815.00, 292 Foreign Refined Vegetable Oils (25litres each) worth 17,943.400.00, 2131 Cartons of Spaghetti, Macaroni & Couscous worth 17,972,861.32.

Others are 640 Bales of Foreign Secondhand Clothing worth 137,356,492.15, 147 Sacks of Foreign Secondhand shoes worth 21,957,573.75, 360 Cartons of Frozen Poultry Products worth 20,308,932.00, 120 Cartons of Foreign Pomade worth 8,973,421.20, 98 Pieces of Foreign Jack Knives worth 1,242,961.44, 34 Cartons of Foreign Condensed Milk worth 3,808,451.20, 1972 Jerry cans of PMS (25 litres each) worth 22,975,811.15, 20 Bundles of Foreign Used Tyres worth 917,978.40, 16 Cartons of Foreign Hookah (Tobacco) worth 4,563,136.00, 337 Cartons of Foreign Cigarettes worth 80,278,792.00, 78 Cartons of Foreign Medicaments worth 3,580,115.76, 870 pieces Foreign Machetes worth 7,586,186.85, 212 Cartons of Foreign Milky Creamer worth 5,525,829.80, 76 Bags of Ammonium Sulphate (25Kg each) worth 15,724,096.38, 76 Cartons of expired seasoning worth 4,679,073.38, 10 Bags of Foreign Flour worth 695,614.00.

Speaking on the closure of all land borders with the Niger Republic in full force, Comptroller Wada assured full compliance with the directives of the leadership and management of the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Our Unit will continue to leverage on the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, in terms of all operational processes aimed at achieving optimal results,” he said.

While commending the Military, Nigeria Police Force, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and all other sister agencies for their support, he warned smugglers, those engaged in illegal activities, and all other unscrupulous traders to steer clear of Zone B.