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

Ogun I Customs Intercepts Contraband Worth N380 Million in 1Month

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Abass Quadri.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun I Area Command, has recorded a milestone with the interception of contraband worth N380 million in one month.

Addressing newsmen at his maiden briefing on Thursday, 9 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller James Ojo, said the achievement was recorded within 23 days of his assumption of office.

“Since I took over the leadership of the Command on 16 April 2024, we have hit the ground running and to the glory of God, it is with pleasure that we announce to you our anti-smuggling exploits and other achievements recorded.”

“So far, the seizures under review include 90 sacks & 1,309 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 1,596 pieces of foreign used tyres, 2,922 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 32 bales of used clothes, 1,603 cartons of frozen poultry products, and 22,600 litres of Premium Motor Spirit among others”. He Stated.

The CAC further explained that the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized items amounts to N380,370,911.00, adding that the intelligence-driven interception took place at different locations within Ogun State with the strategic efforts of the intelligence Network.

He urged stakeholders to remain compliant and assured of the Command’s maximum cooperation.

“Let me use this medium to encourage our compliant traders to remain steadfast and be assured of our maximum cooperation. Our doors are wide open for consultation and required support”. He stated.

The CAC warned economic saboteurs to avoid smuggling activities and embrace legitimate trade. “Anyone caught in the act will be made to face the wrath of the law”.

Comptroller Ojo appreciated the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi and his management for their support, which has helped motivate gallant officers in executing their duties as well as critical stakeholders in playing their part.

Customs Corner

Adamawa/Taraba Customs Records Successes in Anti-Smuggling Operations, Intercepts 12,435 Litres of PMS

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Vivian Daniel.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Adamawa/Taraba Area Command, Comptroller Bature Bashir, has reeled out the anti-smuggling operations successes recorded since he took over the Command’s leadership late in April 2024.

He made this known during a press conference held on Friday, 10 May 2024, at the Command Headquarters in Yola, Adamawa state.

Comptroller Bashir stated that the seized items include 12,435 Litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) packed in 491x25L and 8 x 20L Jerry Cans, one used Mitsubishi truck and one used Motor Cycle while emphasising the need to auction the confiscated items almost immediately because of their flammable nature and following the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), as enshrined in section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

“The seizure of these items is in line with sections 150 and 248 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 because the Command’s territorial borders are officially closed. However, due to the flammable nature of the PMS, they will be auctioned immediately after this briefing in accordance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) and as enshrined in section 119 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and the proceeds accrued remitted into the Federation Account accordingly,” he held.

The CAC further reiterated the adverse effects of smuggling activities, which had done more harm than good to Nigeria. It hinders national growth and strangles trade policies, which cuts across revenue, foreign investment, preservation of domestic trade and development, food security, and public security, to mention but a few.

“We want to unwaveringly tell the smugglers that our operatives are strategically repositioned along the borderlines to fasten their exit out of this illicit business. We advise you to renounce economic sabotage and illegitimate trade into and out of the Command’s territorial borders and adopt genuine business as the Command operatives will not rest on their paddles until we stamp out smuggling across all the command borders,” he cautioned.

The CAC solicited the partnership of the border Communities and patriotic Nigerians in providing timely intelligence that can support the Command’s operations in getting rid of the economic menace from the nation as well as cautioning the transporters and oil marketers to be watchful and nationalistic to repudiate these smugglers of any supply chain opportunities. He equally admonished media practitioners to increase their awareness campaign in educating the general public on the dangers and negative impacts of smuggling on the nation’s socio-economic development.

“To the border Communities and the patriotic Nigerians, we solicit your partnership in providing timely intelligence that can aid our operations in getting rid of this economic scourge from our nation. To the transporters and oil marketers, be vigilant and patriotic to deny these smugglers a supply chain. And to the media personnel, please do increase awareness campaign to educate the general public on the dangers and negative impacts of smuggling on our socio-economic development,” he implored.

Comptroller Bashir attributed the tremendous achievements recorded so far to the steadfast support and reassurance of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service under the firm leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi (MFR), who has continued to give all the required backing and supply chain for the Command’s smooth anti-smuggling operations while wholeheartedly appreciating his unrelenting drive for the Service development. He also acknowledged the cooperation prowess of all the Customs Units, which consist of the CIU, FOU, SIS, Valuation, ICT and other security agencies.

Customs Corner

Customs WMC Intercepts 177 Sacks, 61 Kegs of PMS Amidst Fuel Scarcity

Published

2 days ago

May 12, 2024

GiftUgbede

Author: Femi Anamelechi.

Amidst the scarcity of petroleum products in the country, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command have intercepted 177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along Isalu Creek Badagry Waterway en route Benin Republic.

Addressing newsmen at the command headquarters on Friday, 10 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed that the seizure was made possible by a joint patrol team on credible intelligence.

“At about 2330hrs on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, while on joint patrol based on credible intelligence, we received the movement of 2 Boats laden with what was suspected to be petroleum products concealed in sacks. Upon receipt of the information, the team moved into Isalu Creeks Badagry Waterway.

The Customs Area Controller stated that careful examination of the seizure at the Command Headquarters revealed “177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) containing 12,500 Liters with a total Duty Paid Value standing at N8,750,000.”

According to him, the action of the smugglers contravenes Section 245 & 254 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Comptroller Bamisaiye warned smugglers to desist from their wicked acts or risk arrest, as the command has zero tolerance for smuggling.

“There’s a strong warning to the economic importance of this kind of seizure at a time of fuel scarcity can not be over-emphasised. People are suffering due to artificial scarcity, but they are busy smuggling these products outside the country to make money. It’s either they stop this act, or we continue to arrest them. We have zero tolerance for this act,” he vowed.

The CAC further commended the effort of officers involved in the interception and their commitment to duty.