Apapa CUSTOMS COMMAND GENERATES N502 BILLION, INTENDIFY COMPLIANCE VIA SYSTEM PROFILING, MANIFEST TRACKING
The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service has achieved remarkable revenue collection and seizure figures from January 2023 up to the present, totaling an impressive N502,987,516,219.26.
During this period, the command made 16 seizures valued at N1.4 billion, highlighting their commitment to enforcing compliance.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Auwal Baba Mohammed, attributed these outstanding results to increased compliance measures. He commended the efforts of the officers and encouraged them to continue their diligence in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and robust enforcement of anti-smuggling activities.
A significant milestone for the Apapa Command was reached on July 20, 2023, when they recorded their highest daily collection ever since the establishment of the port, amassing a noteworthy N9.2 billion in a single day. This achievement showcases their dedication to optimizing revenue generation and ensuring smooth operations at the port.
Speaking on anti-smuggling campaign, Mohammed said, “the seizures made within the period comprised of prohibited drugs, used tyres, rice, vegetable oil, and sundry items.
“It is noteworthy that the command made a seizure of two pistols inside one groupage cargo. One suspect is arrested, and the matter is undergoing investigation.
Under the guidance of Compt. AB Mohammed, the Command has successfully improved compliance among importers, exporters, and their agents by employing deliberate system profiling and manifest tracking.
Under the direct supervision of the CAC, dedicated officers of the command now use the system profiling yardstick to assess the integrity levels of importers and consignees.
This approach enables them to treat traders based on their past transaction records, ensuring that compliance is rewarded with time-saving and cost-efficiency benefits.
The Controller urges all port users to comply with regulations and emphasizes that traders who adhere to the rules are protected from the risk of having their consignments seized or facing penalties and potential arrests.
Comptroller Mohammed points out that non-compliant traders incur more expenses due to demurrage charges, penalties, and higher costs associated with demand notices.
Additionally, Comptroller Mohammed has significantly enhanced electronic manifest tracking, leveraging available technology to expedite trade facilitation.
The CAC hails these accomplishments as a masterstroke in the journey towards improving trade facilitation and fostering an environment of ease for conducting business.
During a recent monthly meeting of Terminal/Unit Heads, Comptroller Mohammed urged all officers of the command to maintain and enhance the high level of discipline that the command has become renowned for during his tenure.
He emphasized that discipline serves as the bedrock of good work etiquette, encompassing traits like punctuality, diligent adherence to the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023, and other noble virtues in alignment with the law.
Additionally, he highlighted that Nigeria places great expectations on the NCS, and the Apapa Command, in particular, is being looked upon to achieve its highest revenue collection.
Compt. AB Mohammed directed the officers and men of the Command to utilize their knowledge of the job and the regulations governing the service to facilitate lawful trade.
He cautioned, “While we facilitate trade for compliant traders, let us remain vigilant to avoid inadvertently releasing uncertified goods under the guise of promoting trade.
As we enter the second half of 2023, I urge you to perform even better, as the success achieved in the first half is a collective accomplishment,” concluded the CAC.
