Dr. Olomu making a speech at a briefing.
Story by Dili Utomi.
In a true reflection of the current record performances inspite of the recent economic outlay, the Apapa Port Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a revenue collection of over two trillion one hundred million naira (N2.01tr) as at November 19, 2024
This much was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller(CAC) of the command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi while addressing officers and men on a parade on Wednesday November 20, 2024, he said that the command aims at achieving its two trillion two hundred billion naira (N2.2tr) target for this year by the end of this month ahead of December.
Comptroller Olomu said that the command is drawing inspiration from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi,MFR who announced the total collection of N5.07tr by the service on Tuesday at the just concluded CGC Conference in Abuja.
According to him, Apapa Port Command plays a critical role in the overall performance of the service nationwide .He said the command contributed 40% (forty percent)of the N5.07tr total target of the service that has been met so far, which underscores the high expectations and responsibility on the command.
The Controller urged officers to align with the outstanding examples set by CGC Adeniyi in revenue collection, trade facilitation, uncompromising enforcement and sustained stakeholder engagement in the service and national interest.
He charged the officers to keep the trajectory of good revenue and enforcement records sustained and ensure that seizures made from smugglers should be backed with suspects for prosecution. He added that arresting smugglers with their wares would cause greater impact in the fight against smuggling.
CAC Olomu addressing the press.
Comptroller Olomu used the opportunity of the parade to update the officers on important highlights from the CGC Conference. He urged them to imbibe the spirit and letter of the theme, which was “Engaging Traditional and New Partners With Purpose”.
He said the NCS 2024 CGC Conference theme aligns with that of the World Customs Organisation which seeks to leverage on achievable gains from cordial relationships across organisations and individuals to achieve customs goals
He listed some outcomes from the conference which include sustenance of diligent import and export cargo examination with the deployment of hundred percent physical examination where necessary; granting of access to enforcement unit officers to view the Nigetia Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) platform; and avoidance of Indiscriminate intervention alerts which makes service personnel appear to be working at cross purposes. According to CAC Olomu,NCS is one and should operate and be seen as one.
Other fallouts from the CGC Conference announced by the Area Controller are the banning of commercial activities within customs formations and premises. He listed such activities like the engagement of Point of Sales (PoS) operators around customs offices, and involvement of customs officers in clearing jobs, that is doubling as licensed agents, which conflict with their official mandates
Other messages cascaded from the 2024 CGC Conference announced by Comptroller Olomu are compulsory and routine medical checks for all officers; instituting rewards and honouring outstanding officers for their productivity; development of inter zonal games being put together by the service Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) ; fully automation of transire by first quarter of 2025 and the expansion of the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and Advance Ruling(AR) scheme
Comptroller Olomu also announced that the command is planning an award night for deserving officers and stakeholders that have contributed to it’s success in 2024. He also gave plaques of award to some units and individuals for excellent discharge of their functions.
The Compliance Unit was honoured for the recovery of over N2b in the last three months. Efforts of the Revenue Recovery Unit that also prevented the loss of N3b within the last three months was also recognised
Assistant Comptroller M. Samad received an award from the CAC for due diligence and regular detection of under valuation
The Controller also honoured Inspector of Customs Adamu Bashir as best dressed and punctual officer.
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