The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has announced a total revenue collection of N489,614,095,022.15 for the first quarter of 2024, marking a substantial increase compared to the N212.5 billion collected during the corresponding period in 2023. This achievement was disclosed in a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abubakar Usman, on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Command, hailed the first-quarter revenue collection as a significant stride towards meeting the ambitious target. He underscored the pivotal role of compliance, emphasizing its manifold advantages. According to him, reaching the nearly N2 trillion target set for 2024 hinges on strict adherence to established protocols outlined in regulatory frameworks such as the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, government import/export prohibition lists, Common External Tariff, and Federal Government-approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Jaiyeoba commended the dedication of officers and cooperation from port stakeholders in achieving this commendable milestone. He urged sustained compliance from both government and private sector stakeholders, emphasizing the necessity of a collaborative effort.
Addressing stakeholders, Jaiyeoba stressed the importance of fostering an efficient system characterized by adherence to regulations, which he believes will facilitate smoother, seamless, and expeditious import/export cargo clearance. He pledged to maintain regular engagement with stakeholders at various levels to uphold the momentum of accomplishments and consolidate gains through continuous enlightenment initiatives within the port community.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Apapa Command in realizing the N5.7 trillion annual target set by the Nigeria Customs Service for 2024, Jaiyeoba called for concerted efforts from all parties involved. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to rewarding compliance, citing initiatives such as the recently launched Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program as evidence of the benefits awaiting compliant operators.
Jaiyeoba emphasized that adherence to regulations not only enhances efficiency but also saves time and resources. He explained that honest declaration positions declarants favorably, enabling them to enjoy expedited processes and potential eligibility for AEO status. Such compliance, he noted, minimizes the need for interventions such as cargo examination and penalties, ensuring timely clearance and avoiding unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Expressing gratitude for the dedication and professionalism of officers, Jaiyeoba reiterated the confidence vested in them by the Customs Management under the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. He expressed optimism for improved performance in the second quarter of 2024, foreseeing increased revenue collection, enhanced trade facilitation, and intensified efforts to combat smuggling activities.
