Tin Can Customs Generates N256.4bn in 2016
The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated a staggering N256.4 billion in 2016. According to a press statement signed by the Customs Area Comptroller of the Command, Bashar Yusuf made available to newsmen by the public relations officer, Uche Ejiesieme said the revenue generated was below N266.2 billion generated in 2015.
He said, “This figure represents a marginal difference when compared with the figure for 2016, with a shortfall of less than N10 billion attributable to some factors beyond the control of the Command.”
“The Command during the year under review bagged the sobriquet of a “benchmark Command” in view of the various remarkable achievements recorded by the Controller, Comptroller Bashar Yusuf despite the various challenges of global recession.
The operational architecture of the Command is structured in a way that allows for checks and balances, especially the close monitoring of all declarations with a view to ensuring that all infractions are detected and necessary actions taken, to serve as deterrent.”
The Customs Area Comptroller giving a breakdown of event at the command in 2016 said seizure of of eight bags of substance later confirmed as cocaine top highlight of the year. He said, “Spectacular interception of 8 bags of unmanifested substance in 1 X 20 feet container.
The eight bags consisted of 200 fully compressed substances which was handed over to Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and later confirmed to be cocaine with a street value of N2 billion. “Interception of large quantity of arms and ammunition based on well profiled intelligence on 15th February 15, March 7 and April 4, 2016 respectively and handed over to Department of State Security (DSS).
“Seizures of 31 containers of 50kg parboiled rice falsely declared as bread improvers/flavoured yeast Disodium in August. Consequently, the operational paradigm and dynamics received a major boost as a veritable tool for facilitation of legitimate trade and adherence to due diligence in the discharge of our functions” he said.
The CAC however warned clearing agents from engaging in false declaration saying all revenue leakages would be blocked. “We wish to reiterate our zero tolerance for false declaration or other deliberate infractions. In this regard, all areas of revenue leakages will be identified and blocked, and any attempt by an importer/and or his agent to circumvent the process will be viewed seriously.
“We have resolved to consolidate on the gains/achievement of the past year and to do even more. We are operationally ready to cope with whatever challenge that we might encounter in the New Year and beyond. The command is determined and poised to forge a better synergy and collaboration with the critical stakeholders and other sister agencies for the implementation of the fiscal policies of the federal government” he said.
