Customs revenue hits N227.3bn in 1st half

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recorded 11 per cent revenue increase in the first half of 2020 despite global economic downturn.

The command however generated N227.3 billion in this first half as against N203.2 billion recorded in the same period in 2019, it processed over N52 billion worth of export goods during the period under review.

Area Controller of Customs n-charge of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura stated this in a press conference, he stated that between January to June, 2020, the Command also intercepted contraband goods with Duty paid value of N15.9 billion

Abba-Kura expressed confidence that if the Covid-19 pandemic subsidies in good time within the year, the Command would meet and definitely surpass its revenue target for 2020.

He said, “You will notice that there is a steady improvement in revenue collection all through the first half of the year excerpt the month of May which recorded a decline of about N3.55 billion when compared with the revenue collected in the corresponding month in 2019.

“The Command in the half year of 2019 collected a total sum of N203.2 billion as Customs Duty and other charges like seven per cent surcharge, VAT, one per cent CISS among others while in 2020 (January to June), the Command collected a huge sum of N227.3 billion. This represents an increase of Net billion or 10.59 per cent increase from the previous year.”

A total of 142 containers laden with contraband goods of various items with a duty paid value of N15.9 billion were intercepted by the Command in the period under review according to the Area Controller.

Details of the seized items are as follows, two assorted vehicles (Rolls Royce 2018 and one Lamborghini Hurricane Sport Car 2019 model) with Duty paid value of N324.5 million. Other items include Pharmaceuticals, Rice, Used clothing and shoes, Vegetable oil, packaging materials, detergents, candy milk, used tyres, cigarette filter, textile materials and rugs.

He stated that some of the officers of the Command who recently tested positive to coronavirus have all recovered and have returned to their duty posts.

The Customs Service he said has not relented over the welfare and protection of its officers and men from the pandemic, “As regards to this issue of Covid-19, the Service has from the outbreak of the pandemic taken steps to ensure that we are safe.

“Doctors were sent to us from the headquarters to train us on how to abide by the NCDC safety protocols. We thank stakeholders who gave support by providing us with Hand sanitisers, washing lotion, and face masks. We are keeping safe and happy to announce that all customs officers who tested positive to Covid-19, have all fully recovered and back to their jobs. I thank all the caregivers that took care of our officers,” Abba-Kura stated.