The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has recorded over N1.3 trillion in revenue collection in the first half of this year.
A total figure of N1,003,752,951,735.55 made in the first six months of the year is against N713,548,395,834.93 with a sharp difference of N290,204,555,900.62.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah said that achieving the trillion naira mark within six months was unprecedented, attributing the feat to the resolute pursuit of what is right and willingness to adapt to changes brought about by global health challenges occasioned by covid-19.
The Service revenue profile continues to be on the increase due to on-going reforms that exploits the potentials of technology: through robust automation of the processes and procedures, deployment of officers on merit, robust stakeholder and improved sensitization resulting in more informed/voluntary compliance as well as improved working relationship with the National Assembly.
As stated by the CGC earlier in the year, it is always the desire of the Service to generate more revenue than what is set for it, given favorable environment. NCS will always be willing and happy to break its records as it is in this case of over One-Trillion naira in 6 months.
In line with the recommendation of the tripartite meeting (Customs administrations of Nigeria, Benin and Niger) which was adopted by the Government, the Joint Border Patrol teams are operating at both sides of the land borders sharing intelligence that help to deal with the challenges of cross border crimes and criminalities.
The Service between January to June 2021 effected, a total number of 2,333 assorted seizures with duty paid value of N4,422,548,980.00. Some of these seizures include dangerous items like arms and ammunition, illicit drugs and food items like rice, vegetable oil e.t.c. that could have had grave consequences on national security and economy.
According to Attah: “you may recall that on 31st May 2021, the Service announced its intention to verify all Privately Owned Aircrafts in Nigeria between 7th June to 6th July 2021.
At the end of the verification period, a total number of fifty-eight (58) private aircrafts owners complied.
Infractions discovered during the verification exercise include:Breach of Temporary Importation agreement, Non appropriate payment of duty and taxes.
Interestingly, those in default have indicated interest to pay with some already commencing the process by making appropriate declarations.
Considering the level of response and indications for more, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) has graciously extended the verification period for 14 days i.e 7th to 20th July 2021.
By the end of this extended period, the Service will not hesitate to invoke appropriate sanctions as contained in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Cap C45 LFN 2004 as amended against any Private Aircraft Owner that fails to take advantage of this period to verify his or her Aircraft.
NCS will continue to insist that all Imports and Export activities are done in compliance with extant laws of the land as no individual is above the law.