Remarkable performance : Apapa Customs records huge revenue collection of N489bn, surpasses 2023 figures by over 100%
Remarkable performance : Apapa Customs records huge revenue collection of N489bn, surpasses 2023 figures by over 100%
… As Comptroller Jaiyeoba harps on total compliance
The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has made remarkable performance in revenue collection for the Federal Government, with a huge sum of N489.6billion realised in the first quarter of 2024.
Impressively, the N489.6billion realised in only three months, is over 100 percent higher than N212.5billion collected the same period in 2023.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, who revealed the revenue figures, commended the officers and port stakeholders for their cooperation towards the attainment of this laudable feat. He called for sustained compliance by government and private sector stakeholders.
The Area Controller reminded stakeholders that Apapa Command is playing a critical role towards the realisation of over N5trillion annual revenue target of Customs in 2024. As such, all hands must be on deck to achieve it.
The CAC stressed that Apapa as the premier port is expected to meet N2trillion revenue target in 2024. This, he said is attainable by diligently abiding by the service books of instructions like the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, government import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff and Federal Government approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
While commending the officers for their punctuality, diligence, and non compromise in the discharge of their responsibilities, Jaiyeoba reminded officers of the confidence vested in them by CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and the entire Customs management.
He also reminded them that the present Customs management has created room for multiple benefits for those who operate in compliance with the rules. He stated that the recently launched AEO is one of such benefits.
He described the Command’s first quarter collection as a bold step towards the realisation of the target and reminded all port users about the importance of total compliance, which, according to him, comes with multiple benefits.
Jaiyeoba said; “I want to urge all stakeholders in Apapa Port to keep supporting us in achieving an efficient system where everyone plays by the rules to achieve seamless and faster import/export cargo clearance
“Making honest declaration puts the declarant at a vantage position to have a credible reputation and enjoy the benefits that come with earned integrity, such as fast track and possible migration to the authorised economic operator(AEO)
” Such attitude of compliance saves time and money as examination officers would find the cargo less cumbersome to process and other units of the service including sister government organisations would not need to flag such cargo for seizure or arrest of the importers/exporters. The cargo gets cleared on time and payments for penalties after demand notices are not necessary, as no DN is issued on compliant import/export.
” I will continue my weekly engagement of stakeholders at various levels to sustain the tempo of our achievements and consolidate on the gains from regular enlightenment of every member of the port community.
“As we step into the second quarter to end the first half of 2024, I am convinced we will do better in revenue collection, facilitate more trade through our port and prevent smuggling under any guise”.