NCS Tincan Island Port rakes in over N237 Billion as revenue

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Tincan Island Port Apapa Lagos, have raked in over N237 Billion as revenue for the Federal Government between January and October 2017.

This figure is said to be higher when compared to the over N207 Billion made as revenue in the corresponding period of 2016.

The Controller of the command, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf who disclosed this via a press statement issued on Monday attributed the increase in revenue to the repositioning of the command for greater functionality.

In his narrative of the command’s performance, Yusuf said, ” The command have developed operational templates which were carefully articulated to encompass adherence to due diligence on the part of the stakeholders and entrenchment of professionalism and integrity on the psyche of the officers.”

He also pointed out that the Command relied mostly on capacity building, training and re-training to extract reasonable level of professional integrity from the officers which ultimately led to the increase in Revenue Collection.

While commenting on the recent seizures by the command, the Controller said, “ You will recall that the Command alone have recorded three different seizures of catche of arms and have recently seized two containers load of suspected controlled drugs (Tramadol) falsely declared as used vehicle and computer accessories”.

He revealed that the seizures were made through high profile intelligence using ICT as a major tool.
“Our new strategic focus has strengthen not only statutory responsibility of Revenue Generation but also safety of lives by decimating the tendency of unscrupulous importers who bring in unwholesome drugs, particularly Tramadol which consumption would naturally have a consequential effect on our large population of youth, thereby ultimately affecting their educational pursuits and socio-economic wellbeing amongst other negative effects.”

He stressed that the Command have undoubtedly diminished the capacity of such unpatriotic importers through several measures aimed at nipping such issues in the bud.

“Just recently our president was in Turkey with the Comptroller General of Customs alongside other top government functionaries on a diplomatic visit and the issue of arms were discussed after which a memorandum of understanding was signed with a view to ensure that such illicit imports are curtailed,” he said.

Speaking further, the Controller applauded the improved compliant of stakeholders and urged them to maintain the path.

On his plans for the ’ember months’ the Controller re-assured that no stone would be left unturned in his efforts to ensure a sustained increase in revenue generation and facilitation of legitimate trade.

Yusuf also expressed appreciation for the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hammed Ali (Rtd) and his Management team for their support as well as the promotion of five officers in Tincan Port found worthy in the recent arms seizures, noting that it will naturally spur others to greater efficiency.

“It is instructive to note that the Nigeria Customs Service is putting measures in place to curb the influx of arms which is why the Service recently unveiled plans to introduce the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, a platform that will enhance the streamlining of cargo clearance,” he stated.

Explaining further, he said the AEO is a programme introduced by the World Customs Organization to facilitate trade with security situation associated with the Import and Export businesses across international borders.

Joy Anyim