Mkpoikana Udoma
18 July 2018, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt — The Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, says it plans to use best practices to set eastern ports apart from other seaports in the country in revenue generation.
Customs Comptroller, Onne Seaport in Rivers State, Mr. Bashir Abubakar, disclosed that the plans were in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd), to adopt international best practices in doing business at the country’s seaports.
Abubakar, while speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt, called on importers, particularly those from the south eastern part of the country, to make use of the eastern ports.
He explained that efforts by NCS towards ensuring that the revenue profile of the eastern ports were expanded would only be a reality if businessmen from the South South and South East make use of the eastern ports for importation and exportation.
According to him, “If genuine importers continue to make use of ports else where in the country and outside the country, the dream to raise the revenue profile may be defeated.
“Revenue generation is key as far as ports business operation is concerned. Business activities in this area have improved and quality vessels and cargoes now flood the eastern ports.”
As part of efforts to improve business in Onne Seaport, Abubakar disclosed that the Customs House in Onne, was being remodelled and that funds have been budgeted for the project.
