Apapa Customs revenue collection rose by 22.3% to N518bn in 2020

…Records 318 seizures

Chidi Ogbuokiri

The Apapa Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that it generated a whopping sum of N518 billion to the federation and non-federation accounts of the Federal Government in 2020.

A statement by the Command on Tuesday disclosed that the revenue profile significantly increased by N94 billion from N423.6 billion that was collected in the year 2019. Indicating an increased collection of 22.3 per cent.

The statement made available to Ntional Mail quoted the Customs  Area Controller, incharge of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura asmdisvlosing that the  Command has  been able to further strengthen its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs, through credible intelligence driven operations and continuous partnership with other relevant agencies for effective port management to stem their illegitimate activities.

This, he said is in line with the provision of extant circulars; trade guidelines and enforcement of government fiscal policy measures.

Abba-Kura added that the Command made a total of 318 seizures with duty paid value of N21billion. These figures almost tripled the total seizures for the year 2019 which stood at 112 with total duty paid value of N12.5 billion.

Some of the seized items include:
He highlighted the seized items to  include133 containers of unregistered pharmaceuticals which includes tramadol, 58 containers of foreign parboiled rice and 30 containers of vegetable oil.
Other seized items include 31 containers of used clothes and shoes, 13 containers of used tyres, and other sundry items.

Speaking on export trade, the Command boss disclosed that the unit experienced a shit  “The export unit also witnessed a boost in its activities. From 262,095 in 2019, it rose to 1,311,365 in the tear 2020.

“The Free on Board (FOB) value for the exported items equally moved up from $132,760,512.94 million to $340,884,102.99 million within the period under review. The naira equivalent of the exported items is estimated at N104,310,535,514.00 only at N306 per US Dollar. Items exported include steel bars, agricultural and mineral products among others” he said.

Abba-Kura however noted that the unprecedented achievements were made possible as a result of the doggedness and tireless commitment of the officers and men of the command to their duties, despite the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging economies all over the world. “Nonetheless, as we look forward to a prosperous and glorious year ahead, the Command has taken bold initiatives to ensure the collection of appropriate revenue by creating an enabling environment for legitimate businesses to thrive” he added.

While appreciating the Comptroller-General of Customs, Colonel Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) and his management team for their continuous support and encouragement, he also extends his appreciation to stakeholders in the clearance value chain, government agencies operating in the port and the media for their continuous  support.

“We will reiterate the need for their cooperation in order to move the Command and the service to greater heights”, he said.