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By Innocent Orok
Hameed Ali, CG, NCS.
The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) has generated the total sum of N1,003,752,951,735.55 as against the targeted N713,548,395,834.93 from January to June 2021. This amount has made a positive increase of N290,204,555,900.62. Hitting the Trillion-Naira mark within six months is unprecedented in the history of the Service. This feat is as a result of resolute pursuit of what is right and willingness to adapt to changes brought about by global health challenges occasioned by Covid-19.
According to the National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Deputy Comptroller Joseph Attah
“The Service revenue profile has 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 strictly based on the Standard Operating Procedure. robust stakeholder sensitization resulting in more informed/voluntary compliance and
improved working relationship with the National Assembly among others.
” 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 six months.” Attah said.
In the area of enforcement the Service said ” 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 includes dangerous items like arms and ammunition, illicit drugs and food items like rice, vegetable oil among others that could have had grave consequences on national security and economy.
Clearing the air on the verifications of aircraft in the country, Attah said
“You may recalled 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 58 private aircrafts owners complied.
” Infractions discovered during the verification exercise include, breach of Temporary Importation Agreements and
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 , 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.”
Attah concludes that the “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”.
