The Nigeria Customs Service says it has generated N31.21bn from the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos in the month of March 2020.
The revenue figure is N5.2bn higher than the N25.9bn generated by the command in March 2019.
“The Customs Area Controller, Musa Baba Abdullahi, had created a clear roadmap for the actualisation of his mandate, bearing in mind the enormous expectations from the command as one of the epic areas for revenue generation,” said spokesman of the command, Uche Ejesieme.
According to him, part of the controller’s strategy is the mobilisation of critical stakeholders through series of roundtables and consultations towards ensuring that trade facilitation is given a boost, in line with global best practices.
He said, “The customs area controller at those parleys solicited the support of all parties in the trade value chain, particularly on the issue of compliance with the fiscal and monetary policies of the Federal Government and the need to adhere strictly.
“Further to this is the removal of all manner of bureaucratic bottlenecks and obstacles, which might hinder access to information and intervention in critical areas. This is exemplified in the open-door policy of the area controller as well as establishment of Trade facilitation and dispute resolution platforms for expeditious resolution of disputes arising from the various transactions.”
All things being equal, the spokesman added, the operational templates put in place by the area controller would surely lead to monumental revenue collection.
On the coronavirus disease, he said the sensitisation campaign on the subject began with a circular from customs headquarters, which compelled every command to commence awareness on ways of containing the virus.
“Following the report of the index case in Nigeria, the command began even more intensive and aggressive campaign, with the visit by the zonal medical personnel, in collaboration with our resident medical personnel.
“Lectures were delivered on the safest measures which officers and stakeholders should adopt to keep safe. Participants were also advised to always maintain social distancing, use of latex gloves, sanitisers and regular hand-washing, among other safety measures.
“Beyond all of these, the area controller directed the erection of signs at strategic places in the command that conveyed very salient information to stakeholders on additional measures we have adopted to ensure the safety and health of our employees and other stakeholders,” he said.
