The Porthacourt Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service in Rivers State has collected a total revenue of N28,507,808,031 between January and March 2023
Comptroller Chedi Dalha Wada who disclosed this recently to newsmen in Portharcourt, said the collected figure is N5b higher than what was collected same period of 2022.
Giving the breakdown, he said what was generated in the previous year 2022 same period under review was Twenty – Three Billion, one hundred and forty – Six million, three hundred and twenty thousand, forty – three naira (N23,146,320,043.00)which according to him, showed a difference of Five Billion, three hundred and sixty – one million, four hundred and Eighty – Seven thousand, nine hundred and eighty – Eight naira (N5,361487,988.00), representing an increase of 23% .
Through demand notices(DN) thee Customs Area Controller added that a total of 119 interventions were used to recover N582,576,341 that could have been lost. He stated further that 91 interventions were used to recover N373,762,301 by first quarter of 2022
Comptroller Wada said the command, under his leadership, will always ensure maximum collection and accounting for government revenue without compromising national security.
While fielding questions from newsmen, comptroller Wada reiterated the need for synergy among the stakeholders in the Maritime industry even as he maintained that the robust relationship existing between critical stakeholders such as Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, (ANLCA) NAGAFF, CRFFN, Marine police, Terminal operators such as PTOL, BUA and their landlord NPA, among others have made customs success story possible.
He vowed to suppress all forms of smuggling, seize prohibited items , effect arrest and prosecution of smuggling suspects when the need arises
” I want to use this opportunity to thank all sister agencies and other stakeholders for their support and to implore traders and stakeholders in general to adhere to customs procedures” He said.
While commending the officers and men of the Command including the units from Headquarters serving at the Command for their achievements, he stated that the support from the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Col.Hameed Ibrahim Ali (retd) and his management team have translated to the improvements recorded so far
While promising that he would sustain the high revenue generation profile of the Command and maintain the cordial relationships existing between NCS and maritime stakeholders, he promised to ensure the sustainability of the Customs standard operating procedures and trade facilitation at all times.
