Customs Surpasses FG’s Revenue Target, Generates N2.3 Trillion

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has surpassed its revenue target for the year 2021 by generating N2.3 trillion into the federation’s account from January to December 19, 2021.

Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.), disclosed this during a stakeholders and media engagement meeting on trade facilitation at the Apapa Command of the service. Also speaking, Deputy National Public Relations Officer, Timi Bomodi, confirmed that the service surpassed Federal Government’s revenue target.

The New Experience Newspaper reports that Bomodi explained further that the service was given a revenue target of N1.687 trillion, adding that the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Commands of the service has generated highest revenue for the service.
“I don’t have the actual figure offhand, but I can confirm that we have generated over N2.3 trillion meaning we have surpassed our revenue target of N1.687 trillion for the year. As usual, the year began with high expectations with regard to revenue generation and the enforcement of the fiscal policy.

“Based on the target achieved in 2020, the service was given the onerous task of collecting N1.679 trillion into the Federation account. It was also expected to build on the successes of the border closure to stem the tide of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
“In all its key performance indexes, the NCS achieved remarkable successes through the diligence and hard work of its officers and the support of key stakeholders. In the current year, the NCS has already exceeded expectations in revenue generation by surpassing the target set for it by the government.”

Bodi, however, disclosed that the service also made landmark seizures of prohibited items, which include ammunition, pangolin scales and foreign parboiled rice smuggled from neighbouring West African countries.
“In August, the service intercepted 17,137kg of pangolin scales, 44kg elephant tusks and 60kg in pangolin claws all valued at over N22 billion. This was made possible through active collaboration between NCS, the United States (U.S.), Britain, and German officials, who helped in tracking the suspicious shipment. It further led to the arrest and prosecution of some foreign nationals and their local collaborators.
“In October, FOU operatives in Zone A seized 751 bullets concealed in garri sacks, while arms, ammunition and military uniforms were intercepted at Tin Can Port, Lagos in September 2021 just to mention a few. Our warehouses in all border formations are overflowing with seizures of rice, groundnut oil, used clothing and used vehicles, among others
“At Apapa Area One Command, through the cooperation of other sister agencies and the Nigerian Navy, a landmark seizure of cocaine with a duty paid value (DPV) of $54 million was made.

“This seizure was unique for the fact that the illicit substance was found in one of the compartments of a bulk carrier of sugar. In the same command, 97 containers carrying illicit/expired drugs and other offensive goods with a DPV of N17.5 billion were seized.
“The numerous arrests and seizures are daily features in the activities of Customs officers nationwide, and they underscore the fact that we operate in a highly non-compliant environment. Indeed officers and men of the NCS have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation and they remain resolute in safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.”
Meanwhile, the Area Controller, Apapa Command, Yusuf Malanta, noted that the service has deployed a lot of tools to ensure that trade is being facilitated at Apapa.