Customs smashes revenue record as it generates N1.5 trillion In 2020

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated the sum of N1,562,115,419,216.32 for the year 2020.

The amount generated is over the target of N1,380,765,353,462.00 given to the service for the year under review.

This is even as the service has acquired three new scanners in their bid to boost revenue while also expecting additional four from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

The National Public Relations Officer of the service, Deputy Controller Joseph Attach, made this known in a press statement released yesterday.

In the statement, the service confirmed that already the Ministry of Finance has purchased three (3) new Scanners with the assurance of CBN to establish the control center for monitoring all scanning sites in their bid to boost national economy, especially agricultural sector.

Commenting on the revenue generated,  the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col, Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) described it 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.

He said the service revenue generation profile has continued to be on the rise annually as the ongoing reforms in the Service insist on the following:

Strategic deployment of officers strictly using the standard operating procedure.

Strict enforcement of extant guidelines by the tariff and trade department.

Automation of the Customs process thereby eliminating vices associated with the manual process.

Robust stakeholder sensitization resulting in more informed/voluntary compliance.

Increased disposition of officers and men to put national interest above selves.

He further said the partial border closure which has forced cargoes that could have been smuggled through the porous borders to come through the sea and airports raised revenue collection from ports.

According to him”Before the commencement of the border drill on 20th August 2019, revenue generation was between N4 billion to N5 billion but now NCS generate between N5 billion to N9 billion daily.

“Diplomatic engagements that took place during the partial land border closure yielded many positive results, including commitment to comply with the ECOWAS Protocol on Transit.

“Operationalization of joint border patrols at both sides of the border, the teams are required to share intelligence and ensure prevention of transit of prohibited goods into the neighbor’s territory”

The CG also expressed the service readiness to strictly implement the outcome of the diplomatic engagements as the land borders opened for movement of cargoes.

“Accordingly, the  Service wishes to express its readiness to strictly implement the outcome of the diplomatic engagements as the land borders open for movement of cargoes.

“Intelligence gathered during the period and the introduction of the e-Customs whose components include installation of scanners at all entry points will enhance border security and boost national trade facilitation.

“Already Ministry of Finance has purchased three (3) new Scanners. Interestingly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also expressed commitment to purchasing four (4) Scanners and establish the control center for monitoring all scanning sites in their bid to boost national economy, especially agricultural sector.