From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
The Cross River, FTZ and Akwa Ibom Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it generated N44, 784, 396, 813.00 between January and December 2024.
This figure represents a 31.97% increase when compared with the command’s 2023 result, which stood at N19, 488, 472, 984.00.
The Controller in charge of the area Chukwudi Ogbonna disclosed this at Customs House Calabar during the celebration of this year’s International Customs Day.
He thanked the Comptroller General of Customs CGC Bashir Adewale for his vision, exceptional leadership, and commitment to excellence.
He emphasized that the trade performance of the Nigeria Customs Service has increased by over 150% since the Comptroller General took over.
“National security is an enduring focus here at the Cross River State/Calabar Free Trade Zone/Akwa Ibom State Area Command.
” Officers have demonstrated unwavering dedication, putting in long hours to ensure that customs promise of efficiency, security, and prosperity is fulfilled.
“Our 2024 results showed a significant improvement, surpassing the expected target by 31.97% and laying a foundation for an even more impressive performance in 2025.
“We thank the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his vision, exceptional leadership, and commitment to service, which has increased Nigeria’s trade performance by over 150%,” he said.
The command controller thanked officers for their unwavering dedication to duties and added that last year’s results has laid a foundation for a more impressive performance in 2025.
Speaking on the International Customs Day, which had as a theme: “Customs delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity,” he said it resonates deeply with its mission and values.
He also expressed appreciation to the World Customs Organisation for its leadership and guidance through initiatives like the Virtual Customs Orientation Academy, Smart Customs Community Portal, among others, which has facilitated collaboration.
As part of the celebration of this year’s International Customs Day, the command also presented an award to some partners and staff for their outstanding services during the past year.