Despite Covid-19, Kwara Customs Command generates N1.696b

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

In the face of the global dwindling economy, on account of the covid-19, the Kwara state Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has generated the sum of N1.696billion in the first quarter of 2020.

In a release to Nation Update, the Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the command ,Chado Zakari, said the Command is working hard to meet up with the standing order of the Comptroller-General of Customs Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd), on duty evasion.

In his words, Comptroller Ahmed Hussaini Bello, Area Controller,Kwara Command, Nigeria Customs Service stated that at the end of first quarter 2020, it generated the aforementioned sum which represent 21% of the command’s annual target of N8, 038,000.000.

The Command he said is not leaving  any stone unturned in making sure all avenues of revenue leakages are blocked and at the same time enhance capacity building in the areas of modern Customs Operation, reinforcing the commitment of officers and men in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities and ensuring disciplinary actions are taken on any erring officer.

On the need to  abide by the extant laws of  the  land, the commander stated that there will be continues sensitization for stakeholders on the need to comply.

Emphasising  on the anti – smuggling drive of the command, Bello noted that “Within the period under review, the Command has also recorded Fifty Four (54) seizures with duty paid Value (DPV) of N 282,198,292.00.

Analysing the achievements of the Command, on the area of revenue drive in the last three months, the PRO stated that in January ,a whooping sum of N1,006,901,647.42 was generated.

He stated that in February, the sum of N332,272,223.68 was collected while N356,844,823.64 was generated in March, bringing  to N1, 696,018,694.74.

By the above revenue figures, the total revenue so far generated  by the command since  its creation now stands at N4, 100, 336, 737.22.

He stated  “The command’s  uncompromising position on its mandate of enforcing legitimate trade and trade facilitation among local Industries, has encouraged stakeholders to make prompt payment of import and excise duties to the federation account.
It has also led to the realization of the commands projection in it’s revenue profile.”

21 units of vehicles of various types, 1, 159 Bags of foreign Par Boiled Rice (50kg each), 737 Jerry Cans of Petroleum Product and 20 Jerry Cans of Vegetable (25 liters each), were intercepted under the period under review he said.

He further stated that 48 Sacks of 3,593Kg of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 3 different seizures of Narcotics, and 9 Used Pneumatics Tyres.

The Customs Area Controller warned economic saboteurs to steer clear of Kwara area Command and engage in meaningful ventures or else they will meet their waterloo.

He however warned men and officers of the Command to shun bribery and corruption as anyone caught will be shown the way out.

Bello solicited  the support of communities within the unit to providing them with credible information that will help to nip smuggling at the bud and generate needed revenue for the nation especially at this time.