The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it generated a revenue of N1.5 trillion for the year 2020, compared to N1.3 trillion in 2019 despite the COVID19 pandemic.
A statement signed by the Custom’s Public Relations Officer, Joseph Attah revealed that the revenue was over its target sum of N1,380,765,353,462.00 for the year.
The Customs spokesman, citing the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, said the increased revenue was a result of the Service’s will to adapt in the face of challenges posed by a global pandemic.
“We also insist on strict enforcement of extant guidelines by the tariff and trade department and Automation of the Customs process, thereby eliminating vices associated with the manual process.
” Others are robust stakeholder sensitisation resulting in more informed and voluntary compliance as well as increased disposition of officers and men to put national interest above selves.
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He also stated that the 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.
Before the commencement of the border drill on 20th August 2019, revenue generation was between four billion to five billion naira, but now NCS generates between five billion to nine billion naira 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 and operationalisation 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,” he added.
The Customs also disclosed that the introduction of the e-Customs service, including scanners and other technology at border posts would help increase trade and revenue of the agency.
