…Handles N1.32tr non-oil exports

BY GODWIN OBI

The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a superlative revenue performance of N575.5billion for the first half of the 2024 fiscal year (January-June 30). This represents a 221.2 per cent growth rate when compared to the N260.3billion recorded in the comparative period of 2023. This also shows a difference of N315.3billion in real value over the figures of last year.

The command also within the review period handled a total of 489,594.50 metric tonnes of non-oil export, especially commercial agricultural produce such as cocoa, soya beans and self-adhesive, among several others with a Free-On-Board value of N1.32trillion. This is against the 291, 436 metric tonnes of non-oil exports recorded in the first half of 2023 valued at N182.3billion. Available statistics further show that in terms of value, Soya beans was the highest export commodity; accounting for N92.06billion while self- adhesive was the lowest export commodity with a value of N17.6million.

Addressing Fournalists at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria MARAN Press Centre, Apapa, Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, noted that the decision to unveil its half-year report at the MARAN Centre was in line with the robust stakeholder engagement as directed by the Comptroller General of the service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR.

He attributed the improved revenue performance of the Command to the reforms and rejigging of its operational processes, which focused on improved service delivery and trade facilitation as well as improved stakeholder engagement, which has further boosted the confidence of the trading public in the Command. He also said that the high revenue profile was further attributable to the efforts of the officers and men of the command as well as the stakeholders, especially the compliant ones, who have decided to play by the rules.

“The Tin Can Island Port Command operations for the first half of the 2024 fiscal year (January – June) significantly aligned with the statutory functions of the Service in the areas of revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement/anti-smuggling activities.

“The Command’s operations were performed in consciousness of the theme of the 2024 International Customs Day: ‘’Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose’ with focus on Customs Administrations providing an enabling environment for stakeholders that facilitates and supports businesses and people to recover from the negative effects of the floating exchange rate through collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the supply chain and the use of technology.

“To this end, the Command further enhanced the existing operational processes to conform to the malady of the floating exchange rate regime with the use of technology made available by the NICIS II software. “Such facilities as the ‘846’ Non Standard VIN valuation application, Pre-Arrival Assessment Report PAAR, Advance Manifest and Selectivity engine enabled a more efficient risk management process, mitigating delays in cargo clearance, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring the collection of appropriate duty and taxes. With these measures, the Command ensured continuity in the supply chain and the Service’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for business”, the Comptroller said.

In the area of enforcement and anti-smuggling operations, the Command seized a total of 12 semi-automatic rifles and six pistols within the review period. Other arms and ammunitions seized in the last six months include Sterling high quality shot gun cartridges green comprising 12 cal 32 grammes contained in 10 packs of 25 and 23 pieces apiece as well as 55 pieces of Seller & Bellot Buck shotgun.

Other ammunitions include 123 pieces of Crossman Co2 12 gramme cartridges, one unit of USP CO2 air gun pistol with accessories Cal. 117 (4.5mm) BB, units of mace pepper gun, all of which have baan handed over to the Department of State Services DSS for further agency function.

Other contraband items, especially illicit substances seized within the period under review include three plastic drums concealing several packets of Cannabis Indica, 46 bags containing 2, 144 packets of Cannabis Indica all weighing 1, 072kilogrammes seized from one 40-foot container No. GAOU 669921/5 imported from Canada. The approximate street value of   the illicit substances is N3.2billion.

Others are 877 cartons of Barcadin cough syrup with codeine comprising 200 bottles of 100ml per carton and 82 cartons of Really Extra Diclofenac Sodium 50mg tablets containing 600 packs per carton imported from India. The estimated street value of the cough syrup is N964.4million.

He pledged to further deepen the existing robust stakeholder engagement with a view to ensuring its sustainability to enable the Command build on the current performance and possibly surpass it

“The Tin Can Island Area Command has in the past few weeks engaged with different sections of stakeholders. These meetings have both been virtual and physical.The Command has engaged Shipping companies/lines on modalities to automate communication channels to reduce fraudulent manifest transmission, recycled bills of lading and other channels that could lead to revenue loss.

“The Command also engaged Terminal Operators and Barge Operators on Reforms and Standardisations for transire management and seamless movement of cargo in the trade cycle. The Command had guests from Ministry of Environment who came to enlighten us that the ban of Wood and Charcoal has been lifted.

“Furthermore, in the area of trade facilitation, the Command made available facilities for resolving disputes and addressing legitimate complaints of stakeholders as it relates to the customs clearance process via the Dispute Resolution Committee and the Helpdesk. These facilities have been strategic and significant in assisting the Command to maintain a balance between facilitating legitimate trade and collecting appropriate taxes on behalf of government.

“In the meantime, the port access and terminal access roads are undergoing reconstruction works and further decongestion, the Command has continued to facilitate the use of barge as an alternative means of transport for the movement of custom cargo in line with international best practices, helping to maintain business and flow in the customs clearance process.

While we are optimistic for better performance ratings, the implementation of the e-Customs project and the installation of smart technology at the ports will be a turning point in the digitalisation of customs processes & procedures and will significantly boost the Command’s capacity to enforce compliance and generate revenue in line with international best practices.”

He thanked the Comptroller General for the support and clear sense of direction and the entire management of the Nigeria Customs Service for its relentless and continuous efforts towards strengthening the capacity of the Service and introducing innovative methods to perform its statutory responsibilities in line with international best practices.

He also expressed appreciation to the management team as well as officers and men of the Command and urged them to continue to support this administration as the Service strives to achieve greater heights.

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