Customs

Apapa Customs eyes collection of N2 trillion revenue in 2024 as it hits N1.875 trillion in 10 months

Funso OLOJO

The Apapa Customs command of the Nigeria Customs service has continued to blaze the trail in revenue collection as it has grossed about N1.875 trillion between January to October,2024.

Giving the revenue performance of the command in the last 10 months at a press briefing, the Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, said the collection was higher than the Nine hundred and thirty-one billion, one hundred and twenty-three million, nine hundred and ninety-eight thousand, two hundred and thirteen naira, eighty-eight kobo (N931,123,998,213.88) generated in the corresponding period in the year 2023, showing 101% increase over last year’s revenue figure.

Olomu said the month of October was unique in the history of the revenue performance of the command as the command witnessed the monthly generated revenue of N264.455 billion which was the highest monthly revenue generated in the history of the command.

Similarly, the month of October recorded the highest daily collection of N18.2 billion.

With this revenue trajectory, Olomu was confident that the command is poised to meet and surpass its 2024 revenue target of N2.2 trillion in the next few weeks, which is shy of the revenue target of 2 trillion by N124.6 billion.

The CAC said this revenue feat was recorded despite the decline in volume of trade.

On trade facilitation, Olomu said the command has keyed into trade facilitation tools like AEO and Advanced Ruling to ensure seamless movement of both import and export cargoes.

“Furthermore, in line with the Federal Government agenda of Ease of Doing Business, the command operates on Saturdays and Sundays to ensure that importers take delivery of their cargoes devoid of any delay.

“We also have an intra government working system where all government agencies work together as a team without compromising the mandates of our respective agencies.

“Equally, we have a wider customs-stakeholder forum where only issues pertaining to customs alone are looked into and addressed as and when due.

“It is noteworthy to state that just last week, the command facilitated the first shipment of cargo to Kenya under the AfCFTA regime.

On anti- smuggling, the command made a seizure of six containers carrying falsely declared and unwholesome pharmaceutical and controlled products which it handed over to the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“This handover further underscores the robust inter-agency collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and sister government agencies in the port. It further demonstrates our ability to prevent illicit importation from entering the Nigerian market through the port.

“As a service, we owe Nigerians the duty of preventing the import and export of cargo that could undermine their well-being and security.

“These medical importations have expired, while others are not evaluated by NAFDAC and could cause damages to Nigerians, if consumed.

“The content of these containers contravene the provisions of Schedule 3 of the Common External Tariff (CET) and section 233 of the NCS Act 2023.

“Some of the contents are unapproved dosage of tramadol, cough syrup with codeine, injections and more.

“However, from January 2024 to date, we have made well over thirty-six (36) seizures of various items ranging from used clothings, frozen poultry product, Tramadol, unregistered pharmaceutical products, and other controlled substances.

“These seizures are valued at over N1.5 billion.

Olomu said the command has achieved high stakeholders compliance level which he said was a testament to the very regular interactions which the command have established as directed by the CGC.

“I want to specially thank all sister government agencies and our strategic private sector partners for being part of the success we are celebrating today. Their contributions have been invaluable and the impacts are evident in our scorecard.

Customs

Customs, WCO train officers in technology- driven border security

Funso OLOJO

In a bid to strengthen border security through innovative data-driven approaches, the World Customs Organization – Organisation Mondiale des Douanes (WCO), in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), concluded a five-day workshop on Friday, 6 December 2024, tagged “n-Ceen.”

The training, held at the Project Management Office of Trade Modernisation Project Office situated in the Service’s Management Quarters in Abuja, was aimed at equipping officers with skills in data gathering and analysis to enhance national security and enforcement operations.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, highlighted the strategic importance of the training in achieving the Service’s objectives.

According to her, “This training, organised in collaboration with the WCO, underscores the Comptroller-General of Customs’ commitment to secure our nation’s borders.

” No man is an island; we cannot achieve this in isolation. Collaboration, particularly with skilled personnel, is essential.”

DCG Adeola explained that the workshop provided officers with cutting-edge tools to protect lives and properties and also to proactively deploy interventions where most needed.

She also stated that the training will reduce risks, including mob actions against customs personnel.

The training was meticulously planned, with participants selected from various zones and units, including enforcement, intelligence, ICT, and investigations, to ensure continuity and the dissemination of expertise.

Jean Bigirimana, a WCO facilitator from Burundi, praised the NCS for embracing technology as a critical component of border security, explaining that, “the n-Ceen tool is designed to assist member countries in gathering intelligence and making informed decisions.”

“The n-Ceen application enables Customs administrations to collect and harmonise data, which can then be used to target high-risk cases effectively.

” During this workshop, we trained participants on the features and functionalities of n-Ceen, empowering them to apply this knowledge in their respective domains.” Bigirimana said.

Customs

From Cabin to the Cockpit

— the inspiring transformational story of DSC Balogun, the first female pilot in Nigeria Customs

Funso OLOJO

The remarkable transformation of Deputy Superintendent of Customs (Pilot) Olanike Nafisat Balogun from being a crew member to becoming a full fledged pilot in the air wing of the Nigeria Customs Service is an inspiring one.

DSC Balogun is a study in doggedness, determination, perseverance, resilience and commitment.

Balogun has thus make history as the first female pilot in the Nigeria Customs Service.

Born in Kaduna and a native of Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Osun State, Balogun’s journey began in 2002 when she was recruited as a Customs Assistant to serve as a cabin crew member in the Service’s Airwing Unit.

Speaking in a recent interview, DSC Balogun reflected on her journey, sharing how her unwavering ambition and the Service’s support enabled her transformation from a flight attendant to a licensed pilot.

“Staying in the Service when many of my colleagues opted for better-paying airline jobs was a tough decision, but I was determined to contribute to public service and achieve my dream of becoming a pilot,” she said.

Balogun’s career milestones include earning an Advanced Diploma in Air Ticketing and Cabin Services, a Master’s in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University, and eventually securing her Pilot Certification from the Flying Academy in Miami, Florida, with the NCS sponsoring her training.

DSC Balogun asserted that being the first female pilot in the NCS Air wing is credited to inspiring women within and beyond the Service never to relent in pursuing their dreams.

“My role as the first female pilot in the service reflects my commitment as a woman to advancing my passionate dream as well as the operational capabilities of the NCS” she added.

As she continues to fly for the NCS, Balogun remains passionate about inspiring others, stating, “I hope my journey motivates young Nigerians, especially women, to chase their dreams and break through barriers.”

The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, in a statement commended her dedication and described her achievement as a testament to the Service’s commitment to capacity building and innovation.

“Her story exemplifies what is possible with determination and institutional support,” Adeniyi said.

Customs

B’Odogwu, home-made customs trading platform, gains momentum at PTML

–— as more banks embrace local ICT platform

— PTML customs reaps revenue windfall

Funso OLOJO

B’Odogwu, an indigenous customs trading platform currently being test run at the Ports Terminal Multi services Limited(PTML) command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has gained a momentum in the command as more operators are embracing the new trading platform.

Already,17 banks have indicated their interests to sign on the platform to join the existing five banks currently hooked up to the trading platform.

In addition, the PTML Customs command has started to reap revenue windfall triggered by the new trading platform as it generated N44.9 billion in November, the highest monthly revenue ever generated in the history of the command.

An elated Area controller of the command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, said B’Odogwu trading platform has come to stay in the Command.

As a pilot command for the operation of the indigenous platform, Comptroller Daniyan advised stakeholders to embrace and rally round the new ICT platform as their own, adding that the command has parted ways with the old Customs platform NICIS11.

The Area Controller also debunked information alleging that four vessels have been unattended to at the PTML berth due to B’Odogwu failure is untrue.

He disclosed that the command met with some of the stakeholders earlier in the week where all issues bordering on the challenges experienced by agents were addressed and they were advised to engage the implementation team for further assistance

He added that to facilitate trade, the command has bent backwards by applying manual methods to process cargoes and has established interface with the terminal operator to accommodate port users that have made entries on the platform.

The Controller said most agents claiming inability to capture have not registered on the platform and urged them to come forward for capture to address any challenge.

The CAC said “B’Odogwu is a Nigerian baby that should be fed by Nigerians .

” We are weaning our baby from a foreign mother and I urge all Nigerians to support it.

“We are not going back to NICIS II. The use of NICIS II platform has come to an end in PTML as this is the position of the Service.

” We are aware that some of our agents are yet to be fully acquainted with the additional requirements that were not involved in NICIS II.

“As the problems come up, we are solving them.

“Note that the management has dispatched an implementation team here to ensure our stakeholders don’t suffer.

” We were disconnected from NICIS II three months ago and we have fully commenced implementation to grow our own teeth and serve the country better. We have left NICIS here in PTML.

“We are committed to get it right here before moving to Tin Can and other ports.

“Our turn around time for properly declared RoRo cargo is still two hours but this is dependent on compliance by the declarant.

“As a command, we will not sacrifice national security and revenue on the altar of trade facilitation.

” So far in November,292 bills of laden have been captured in November, 375 are yet to capture.

“As at today, Wednesday over 98 people have paid their duties under B’Odogwu platform as more banks are coming on board” he said