The Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it collected N5.7 trillion in revenue as of Tuesday, 12 November 2024.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja, said the achievement demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes, and modernized systems can deliver tangible results for the nation’s economy.
The conference is themed: “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose.”
Adeniyi expressed optimism about the service’s capacity to achieve more for the economy.
“Our strategic engagements and collaborative approaches have yielded remarkable results across our core statutory responsibilities. I am pleased to announce that, as of 12 November 2024 at exactly 13:10 Hrs, the NCS hit its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07tn, collecting NGN5.079tn with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year,” Adeniyi said.
Discussing the service’s strides in trade facilitation, Adeniyi noted that six beneficiaries of the Authorised Economic Operators programme have been carefully selected.
“Our commitment to trade facilitation has garnered significant recognition and yielded measurable results. The Service’s leap of 33 places upward in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council rankings, placing us among the top five agencies in trade facilitation, reflects the impact of our reform initiatives,” he said.
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He added that 21 requests have been processed under an advance ruling programme aimed at fostering quicker customs decision-making on import and export cargoes prior to their arrival at the ports.
The Comptroller-General also highlighted that the service’s time release study has advanced the drive towards 24-hour cargo clearance and reduced dwell time at the ports.
Adeniyi praised Operation Whirlwind, a joint initiative guided by the Office of the National Security Adviser and supported by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency, aimed at curbing fuel smuggling.
“We continue to intercept and seize prohibited items that pose direct threats to public health and safety. Our enforcement activities have been particularly impactful in addressing items that could worsen our current economic challenges,” the custom boss said.
Adeniyi, who recounted the challenges faced by the commission, expressed concern over non-compliance among trader, who according to him contribute relatively smaller portions to trade volumes, values, and revenue.
He said: “We must acknowledge the challenges that have tested our resolve this year. A primary concern has been the misconception of our role amid monetary policy changes, where some stakeholders viewed our actions as trade-restrictive rather than recognizing our enhanced commitment to trade facilitation.
“Additionally, we continue to grapple with widespread non-compliance among the larger population of traders who, though numerous, contribute relatively smaller portions to our trade volumes, values, and revenue.”
The Customs boss commended partners of the commission; both existing and new for their collaborative efforts which he said has been instrumental in achieving the goals of the commission.
CGC also announced the presentation of awards to deserving officers whose performances have been outstanding.
This will take place on Friday during the award night.
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