Customs Corner
Customs Generates N3.2 Trillion Revenue in 2023, Projects Remarkable Strides in 2024
Author: Muhammad Bashir, Abra Iruoghene, Cynthia Ikebudu.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reports a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2023, surpassing all expectations with a total revenue collection of N3,206,603,417,315.47.
Comptroller-General of Customs Service, CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, made this known on Wednesday, 10th January 2024, while addressing newsmen at the Customs Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the Comptroller-General, this noteworthy figure represents a remarkable 21.4% increase compared to the previous year’s revenue of N2,641,616,673,501.83, showcasing the Service’s consistent upward trajectory.
He said, “This achievement is particularly remarkable given the challenges within the operational environment. Operational challenges such as lower transaction volumes, compliance issues, inadequate infrastructure, and capacity gaps were compounded by delays in policy implementation and socio-political factors.”
The Customs’ Boss highlighted that “despite grappling with operational challenges, such as lower transaction volumes, compliance issues, and socio-political factors, the NCS demonstrated resilience in adapting to dynamic economic conditions. Delays in policy implementation and major changes in government direction, including the removal of fuel subsidy and border closures, added complexity to the operational landscape.”
He also said the Service has, in the first half of 2023, witnessed a revenue shortfall of N532 billion, falling short of the projected target of NGN 1.84 trillion – adding, “A positive transformation occurred in the latter part of the year following my appointment as the Comptroller-General of Customs in July.”
He highlighted that “Merit-based reconstitution of the management team and strategic measures, such as the establishment of a Revenue Review Recovery Team and dissolution of existing Strike Force Teams, contributed to exceeding monthly revenue targets by 6.71%.”
Speaking further, the CGC said strategic reassignments of Customs Area Controllers, the creation of an ideas bank, and extensive stakeholder engagements played a pivotal role in the impressive resurgence, reiterating that the NCS’s robust campaign against smuggling and illicit trade resulted in 3,806 seizures, with a Duty Paid Value totaling N16,049,023,262.
Over the last 12 months, the Service has successfully secured 52 convictions, especially in the illicit trade of Animal/Wildlife, garnering international acknowledgment for the Service’s commitment.
“Noteworthy is the international acknowledgment garnered for the Service’s efforts in combating this illicit trade in Animal/Wildlife. This steadfast commitment underscores the NCS’s dedication to protecting Nigerian society, maintaining a resolute stance against smugglers, and diligently dismantling their operations.” He explained.
Speaking on the NCS’ plans to forge ahead with its mandates in 2024, he said, “the Service has been allocated a challenging revenue target of N5.079 trillion, emphasizing the government’s confidence in its capabilities.”
“Strategic initiatives, including the introduction of the Advanced Ruling system and collaboration with international partners like the World Customs Organization, are anticipated to contribute to achieving this ambitious goal.” the CGC explained.
According to him, the NCS is keenly aware of various challenges and opportunities in the coming year, ranging from alignment with government policy directions to active participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Speaking about the Service’s plans to modernize its activities, CGC Bashir Adeniyi said, “Customs modernization, border management, leveraging the NCS Act, stakeholder engagement, and intensive capacity-building initiatives are on the agenda to navigate the dynamic trade environment.”
The Comptroller-General, however, emphasized a zero-tolerance stance towards indiscipline and non-compliance in 2024, urging all officers and stakeholders to strictly adhere to established procedures and regulations.
He also used the medium to invite stakeholders to actively participate in this collective journey towards a more efficient, transparent, and revenue-optimized customs operation for the nation’s benefit.
“Going forward, numerous strategic initiatives are poised to positively impact the Service’s performance in the coming months. These initiatives include introducing the Advanced Ruling system, aligning NCS operations with global best practices and meeting the recommendations of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA),” he added.
He also announced that the Service has concluded all arrangements to inaugurate an electronic auction (e-auction) platform strategically designed to enhance transparency in the auction process.
… To be Awarded with Post-Mortem Promotion to Comptroller of Customs
By Abra Iruoghene
The Nigeria Customs Service and the National Hospital held a Service of Songs for the Late Deputy Comptroller of Customs in charge of Revenue Etop Andrew Essien, who passed on on June 25 2024, at the National Assembly while making a presentation before the House Committee on Public Accounts.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, while speaking at the event on 23 July 2024, noted he was out of the country when he heard the sad news of Essien’s demise. He said he was greatly bereaved to lose such a professional who was an epitome of excellence.
Describing DC Essien, Adeniyi said he was someone who took on every assignment and gave the best he had. “He was always prepared with facts and figures to defend the NCS”, he added.
Adeniyi said, “If money could bring him back, the Nigeria Customs Service would have done all they could to bring him back to life. The NCS will live up to those values he died for, which are Professionalism and Sincerity. ”
Still speaking, he said, “The NCS will give the late DC a burial of heroes. A meeting has been held on his behalf, and a proposal will be submitted to the Customs Board for a post-mortem promotion to the rank of Comptroller of Customs. Also, the children are now my friends. They are the children of heroes and will be treated as such. ”
He further encouraged officers to serve wholeheartedly with discipline and professionalism. Stating those who sacrifice their lives in the Nigeria Customs Service will not sacrifice in vain but will be remembered forever.
… Urges TCIP Officers to Adhere Strictly to Established Procedures
By Ibe Wada
The Zonal Coordinator of Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) Saidu Yusuf, has emphasised the critical importance of intensifying cargo examination at Tincan Island Port to enhance national safety.
During his working visit to the command on Wednesday, 24 July 2024, Yusuf highlighted the necessity of rigorous checks to prevent the entry of expired products and illicit drugs into the country.
“We need to intensify our examination of cargo, as this is a main exercise for the Nigeria Customs Service. There is a need for thorough inspections at every stage, using the various parameters and tools provided by the service,” Yusuf stated.
“We also face issues with illicit and expired products. Beyond revenue collection, our role is to protect the lives and safety of the nation. Failure to do so could result in us becoming victims, directly or indirectly’’. He emphasised.
The ACG stressed that customs officers must adhere strictly to established procedures to ensure accountability and efficiency. “We must be diligent in all that we do to justify the actions required of us. I urge everyone not to relent in following the laid-down procedures. The Tincan Island command, under the leadership of Comptroller Dera Nnadi, has demonstrated efficiency, particularly in intercepting and seizing illicit drugs, arms, and ammunition”.
Yusuf also praised the implementation of new trade facilitation tools, including the Time Release Study and the Advance Ruling System, which have been introduced to enhance operational efficiency.
Acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Customs Area Controller (CAC), he commended the team for their hard work under his leadership. He called for increased vigilance, especially in light of recent security challenges and rising smuggling activities.
In his address, Comptroller Dera Nnadi explained that the command is committed to its statutory obligations, which include revenue generation, trade facilitation, and securing the nations border.
“We have been creating an enabling environment for stakeholders engaged in legitimate trade, and we declared this year as the year of stakeholders in the command”, he said.
Nnadi reported that as of 24 July 2024, the command had collected six hundred and sixty-nine billion, five hundred and sixty-one million, nine hundred and forty-seven thousand naira (N669,562,947,000) and affirmed that the command remains focused on its revenue target for the year.
He also highlighted challenges, particularly regarding office infrastructure, and stressed the need for renovation.
The CAC appreciated the Zonal Coordinator for taking the time to visit the command and offer valuable advice to the officers.
…Reassures of Command’s Operational Efficiency
By Vivian Daniel
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PH Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Command, Onne, Rivers State, Comptroller Usman Seriki, on Monday, 22 July 2024, paid a courtesy call to the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Oil and Gas FTZ Authority, Bamanga Jada, in his office at Mable House, Onne, Rivers State, to consolidate relations with the officials.
This was contained in a press statement signed on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, by the Command Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Paul Gimba, on behalf of the Customs Area Controller.
According to the statement, this aligns with the policy thrust of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to collaborate with stakeholders for efficiency in revenue drive, suppression of smuggling, and facilitation of legitimate trade.
The CAC assured the MD of upholding and improving the established relationship between both organisations regarding trade facilitation and supervising compliance in the Free Zone.
“This relationship is significant because it will enhance operational efficiency, trade facilitation, and regulatory compliance in the Oil and Gas Free Zone,” he re-emphasized.
The MD appreciated the CAC and the Service for contributing to the many success stories of the Free Trade Zone. He added that “this cooperation can further contribute to overall economic growth by boosting trade volume, creating a more efficient and attractive business environment in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Zone.”
The General Manager of Operations, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Adekunle Ajayi, recognised that the harmony between the two agencies has diminished bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensured seamless processes in the environment.
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