Apapa Customs Command generates N11.3b outstanding daily collection

Apapa Customs Command generates N11.3b in outstanding daily collection

• Makes N135b in October

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a landmark revenue collection feat with the generation of N11.3bn on November 22, 2023, thereby surpassing the existing highest daily collection record of N10 billion achieved on August 3, 2023.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, who described the collection as ‘a fallout of teamwork, system audit, compliance, and zero compromises,’ further urged officers of the command to sustain the tempo of hard work.
Comptroller Jaiyeoba said the command has been more focused on its mandate and collected N135 billion for the month of October, which is currently the highest monthly collection to date.
He said the recent daily and monthly revenue collection achievements should be a motivation for officers to do more to justify the confidence invested in the service by the Federal Government and meet the expectations of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in the areas of maximum revenue collection, legitimate trade facilitation, and suppression of smuggling.
The CAC also urged members of the Apapa Port Community, comprising importers, licensed customs agents, chandlers, haulage operators, and freight forwarders, to see compliance and obedience to laws as part of their civic responsibility as citizens.
Jaiyeoba, who commended the various federal government agencies for their cooperation while describing customs relationships with them as excellent, all geared towards realizing government goals, restated that his office will remain open for dialogue and suggestions on ways to improve customs service delivery and achieve federal government objectives.
“We are very optimistic about meeting our target for the year. Even though the initial part of the year, was not what was expected, from what we have been recording in the last two months, I am very optimistic that we will be able to get there.
“I keep telling some of my subordinates who want to be discouraged that it is not over until it is over. I believe it is achievable. What we need is willpower, and the willpower is there. I know that by the end of the year, we will have cause to celebrate.
“My advice to sister agencies is that they stick to their standard operating procedures, and I want to put on record that other security agencies have been cooperating with us.
“The issue is just with non-governmental organizations, and we will continue to tell them to play the game according to the rules. Whether you are an agent or a licensed chandler, there are terms and conditions for your license. The conditions for operators are clearly spelled out. If we all play according to the rules of the game, there will be less friction, and we will be able to achieve a secured port environment.
“I keep telling people that we are working because the port is secured. The onus is not only on any of us, but all of us. We should all be able to do what we need to do to secure the port. An agent can discover that some of their counterparts are doing things that can undermine the security of the port. They should let us know so that we will address it right from the beginning before it causes a problem for everyone,” he said.