Mkpoikana Udoma
09 November 2017, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — The Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, says it has generated a total sum of N7, 845,214,264.65 in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State, between January and October, out of the N8,750,385,298.38 revenue target set for the Command in 2017.
Customs Area Controller in Akwa Ibom and Cross River State, Calabar Free Trade Zone, Comptoller Patience Nanbyen, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on activities of the organisation within the period under review.
Nanbyen stated that the figures represent a 58 per cent increase compared to what was recorded for the corresponding period last year and 89 per cent of the 2017 revenue target.
The Controller explained that with the figures, the command has not only met their target for the year, but had also surpassed it.
She also said in a bid to stem the tide of smuggling in all its ramifications, a lot of seizures were made during the period under review.
“Despite the various challenges faced by the Command, the total sum of N7, 845, 214, 264. 65 was generated between January and October, 2017 out of the N8, 750, 385, 298.38 revenue target of the Command.
“This represents a 58 per cent increase compared to what was recorded for the corresponding period last year and 89 per cent of the 2017 revenue target. I am hopeful of not only meeting the target but surpassing it.
“The command has made 28 seizures for the period under review which include used motor tyres, used vehicles, live animals and a total of 1,521 (50kg) bags of smuggled foreign parboiled rice, compared with corresponding period last year of 683 (50kg) bags of smuggled foreign rice.
“The duty paid value of the above items mentioned was put at N34,945,516.11; in as much as smugglers will continue to operate, Customs shall continue to apprehend them so as to deter others.”
The Custom boss in the Area said that the command would do everything possible to stem the tide of all smuggling and business activities that infringed on the law, adding that the command was poised to comb every nook and crannies to fish out those involved in importing of contraband goods.
“I want to re-emphasise that in line the CGC’s directives to beef up security along the jetties and borders considering the security threats of illegal importation of arms through the nation’s seaports, the command in conjunction with other security agencies and units are deploying high level intelligence to fortify the entire area in order to foil any attempts at arms smuggling and other trans border crimes.”
The comptroller also said that in a bid to facilitate trade, the Nigerian Customs Services has provided a platform (Nigeria Trade Hub) for all stakeholders to fast track clearance of goods and also to facilitate trade.