The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has demonstrated its exceptional performance in revenue collection, amassing a remarkable sum of N502,987,516,219.26 from January 2023 to the present. During this period, the Command also successfully intercepted two pistols and various other illicit goods valued at N1.4 billion. This achievement can be attributed to a significant increase in compliance levels among importers, exporters, and their agents.
Comptroller Auwal Mohammed, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, expressed his satisfaction with the heightened compliance in a press statement released on July 25, 2023. He commended the efforts of the dedicated officers who have employed system profiling and manifest tracking to assess the integrity of importers and consignees. By treating traders based on their previous transaction records, the Command has fostered an environment where compliance is rewarded with time-saving and cost efficiency.
Highlighting a recent milestone, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed mentioned that the Command achieved an unprecedented daily collection of N9.2 billion on July 20, 2023. This remarkable feat signifies the highest revenue collection achieved by the Command since the establishment of the port.
The seizures made during this period were comprised of prohibited drugs, used tyres, rice, vegetable oil, and various other items. The Customs Area Controller emphasized that compliant traders are shielded from the risk of having their consignments seized, facing penalties, or being subject to possible arrests and prosecution.
He urged all port users to prioritize compliance, warning that non-compliant traders incur additional expenses and delays, such as demurrage, demand notices, and penalties. Stressing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Customs process, he called on officers to be vigilant and avoid inadvertently releasing uncustomed goods under the pretext of facilitating trade.
The Customs Area Controller lauded the excellent work ethic displayed by the officers of the Command. He expressed the nation’s high expectations of the Nigeria Customs Service, with Apapa Command being looked upon as a beacon of exemplary revenue collection.
The successful revenue collection and seizure of illicit goods by the Apapa Command stand as a testament to their commitment to promoting compliance, facilitating trade, and combating smuggling activities.
