By Steve Agbota
The acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday said the Service has grown its revenue by 70.13 per cent, to an impressive N343 billion in the past two months of July and August.
Adeniyi who stated this during a press briefing to mark his first 100 days in office, said one of his early achievements was the remarkable boost in monthly revenue collection.
“We have witnessed a substantial increase, with an average monthly collection of N202 billion in the first half of the year that concluded in June, surging to an impressive N343 billion in the past two months (July and August). This outstanding growth amounts to a remarkable 70.13 per cent increase in revenue collection.
“I’m delighted to announce that we’ve consistently exceeded the monthly target collection of N307 billion, marking a remarkable departure from previous performances. The ongoing Revenue Recovery review activities have contributed an additional N8 billion during this period, underlining our commitment to revenue generation.
“Subject to unforeseen circumstances, our aim is to sustain and even expand this momentum until the end of the year. This commitment is driven by our resolve to minimise the deviation from the target, especially in light of the substantial shortfalls recorded during the first half of the year,” he explained.
In the ongoing battle against smuggling, he the NCS has achieved impressive results over the past eight months by recording a total of 1,763 seizures, valuing a substantial N11.9 billion in Duty Paid Value
He said NCS has successfully intercepted various contraband items, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, substandard pharmaceuticals, and other prohibited goods that pose grave risks to our citizens, saying these seizures, accompanied by the apprehension of 62 suspects undergoing legal procedures, underscore NCS’s commitment to tackling smuggling and safeguarding the communities.
According to him, notably, a significant surge in impactful seizures, especially involving arms, ammunition, and drugs, has occurred in the past two months, reinforcing NCS’s resolve to combat these illegal activities.
“On strengthened Collaboration. We forged stronger alliances and fostered an environment of trust and cooperation among our stakeholders including the Public and Private sector as well as our international partners,” he said.
Speaking on innovative solutions, he said NCS at the verge of introducing multiple cutting-edge solutions to support its enforcement strategies starting with the signing of an MOU later today that seeks to put vehicle smugglers out of business for good.
Stakeholder engagement, he noted that the Service prioritised stakeholder engagement, recognising the critical role they play in its operations, adding that Customs established regular channels for dialogue, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
“As we reflect on the achievements of the first 100 days in office and the journey we have embarked upon, it is essential to look ahead with a clear vision for the future. Our next phase builds upon the foundation we have laid, and it is characterized by unwavering dedication to our policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration, and innovative solutions.
“Looking forward, we envision a Nigeria Customs Service that is not only the most efficient and service-driven government organ but also a pivotal driver of national economic growth and border security,” he added.