The Apapa Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it collected a total sum of N11.3 billion as revenue from import duties and export tariffs in the month of November 2023.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, who made the disclosure, attributed the feat to teamwork, system audit, regulatory compliance by importers and exporters and zero compromise on the side of his men.
In a statement issued by CSC Abubakar Usman, Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Command made available to newsmen, Comptroller Jaiyeoba said the Command has been more focused on its mandate and collected N135bn for the month of October, which presently is the highest monthly collection in its history.
According to the CAC, 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, 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 like 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.
He reiterated that his office is open for dialogue and suggestions on ways to improve customs service delivery and achieve federal government objectives.
Comptroller Jaiyeoba lauded the various federal government agencies for their cooperation while describing customs relationship with them as excellent all geared towards realizing government goals.
He said: “We are very optimistic about meeting our target for the year. Even though, from the initial part of the year, it was not what was expected but 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 surbordinates, who want to be discouraged, that it is not over until it is over.I believe it is achievable.What we need is the will and the willpower is there. I know that by the end of the year, we will have cause to celebrate.”
The controller called on sister agencies to stick to their standards operating procedures, maintaining that that other security agencies have been cooperating with his command.
Speaking on some operational challenges, he said, “The issue is just with these non-governmental organizations, and we will continue to tell them let’s play the game by the rules. Whether you are an agent or licensed chandler, there is a condition for your license.
“The condition for every operator is spelt 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.”
He appealed to all players in the port system to play a role in ensuring safety and security of the port.
