RMAFC Federal Commissioner applauds Customs in Zone ‘C’ on brilliant performance

RMAFC Federal Commissioner applauds Customs in Zone ‘C’ on brilliant performance

* Scores Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt high on revenue generation 

The Federal Commissioner, Revenue Mobilisation And Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr Adekunle Wright has applauded officers of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘C’ and entire management of Nigeria Customs Service for brilliant performance in revenue collection for the Federation.

Dr Adekunle Wright, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Business Administration & Finance, gave credit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC),
Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, Compt I. A. Mohammed, for impressive performance recorded so far.

Dr Adekunle Wright, who is also the Chairman, Customs Revenue Monitoring Committee (CRMC), gave this commendations during the working tour of Customs formations in Zone C, which began on Monday August 1, 2022.

Speaking further, the RMAFC Federal Commissioner described Compt Mohammed as focused, hard working and selfless in carrying out his statutory functions.

He enthused :
“The Commission wishes to appreciate the Service for its tremendous efforts and high performance in revenue generation to the Federation since the inception of this administration in spite of various challenges facing the country.”

He advised :
“We enjoin you to keep up the good work. As you are aware, the Commission is responsible for monitoring accrual and disbursement from the Federation Account”.

He informed :
Also, Section 6 (b) (iii) of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act, CAP R7 LFN 2004 empowers the Commission to request for and obtain relevant information, as well as data or returns from various Government Agencies, in order to achieve the objectives guiding its establishment.

“In line with the above mandates, the Commission constantly monitors revenue generating and collecting agencies, provides recommendations as appropriate.

“It is on this premise that the Commission visited Customs formations in Zone ‘C, office with a view to having interactions on ways of developing more cordial working relationship with the Command to further strengthen the nation’s socio-economic growth and fiscal stability.”

He explained :
“The Commission also monitors Customs revenue collection and remittance to the Federation Account. Our focus in this regard is to ensure that substantial revenues are made available for sharing by the three tiers of Government.

“As you may also be aware, the Commission has re-modelled its approach towards revenue generation by focusing on tariffs and taxation from Customs. One of such is our renewed emphasis regarding Excise Duties on approved goods and services.

“In this regard, I wish to inform you that members of this Committee had on various occasions visited Commands in Zone ‘A’ and obtained relevant information”.

During the visit, Dr Adekunle Wright appreciated the harmonious relationship with the Service, even as he revealed plans by the Commission to tour Customs Commands in Zones ‘B’ and ‘D’ in the near future.

He stressed :
“An additional objective of this exercise is the need for members to be kept abreast with activities of the Service and also monitor revenue accruable to the Federation in these formations. This visit would also enable members to receive necessary briefs on NICIS – II database-collection mechanism.

“The Team would monitor activities leading to revenue generation at the sea ports, land borders, international and domestic airports (as applicable) where taxable goods are either received or exported and revenue accrues to the Federation Account from these activities.

“One of the major concerns of the nation now is to design faster ways of reviving other seaports in the country, especially, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt ports, in order to facilitate quick clearance of goods, create jobs, facilitate trade, attract investments and also decongest activities in Lagos Ports.

“Another major concern of Government is increased wave of insecurity, most especially at the border posts. It is pertinent to note that in spite of Government efforts to curb these unpleasant acts, the wave is on the increase thereby creating more difficult working environment for the citizens.

“Also, the exercise seeks to achieve the following objectives:
monitoring Customs revenue collection and remittance, as well as ascertaining compliance with established guidelines from 2016 to date.
To enable members receive briefing on activities of the Service in their area of jurisdiction and gain more understanding of Customs latest project upgrade, which is Nigeria integrated Customs Information Service NICIS – II.

“Also, there is need to access the seaports and border posts for economic activities, in order to enhance revenue accruals into the Federation Account; to identify operational constraints of the formations;
obtain information on the relationship between stakeholders and the Service, to
make appropriate recommendations where necessary.”

In his speech, the Customs Area Controller (CAC),
Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, Compt I. A. Mohammed presented an impressive record on achievements made by the Command.

He informed :
“In 2020, the Command collected the sum of ₦60,299,049,783.12, while in 2021, we realised ₦81,313,484,983.60. Going by these figures, the Command recorded a surplus value of ₦21,014,435,200.48.
In the current year, 2022, the Command generated ₦44,202,835,277.48 from January to June.

“This feat was made despite low inflow of cargos into the Port.
This Command by structure comprises of NPA (Seaport), Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, Bayelsa Out-Station, seven functional Bonded Terminals ,two Excise Factories, which include International Breweries PLC and Nigeria Bottling Company PLC.

“We are saddled with the responsibilities of coordinating all Customs Activities taking place in Port Harcourt and Bayelsa out stations.

” As a Service, we are mandated by law to among other things; collect revenue for Government, which includes Import/excise duties, taxes and Levies, while accounting for same.”