…Beats 2019 March records with over N5bn!***

Nigeria Customs Service, Tincan Island port command, in spite of the intimidating hindrance of the COVID-19, still recorded a total revenue collection of N31,210,006,189.8 in March 2020.

This was against the sum of 25,990,013,289.84, collected during the same period of 2019, indicating a difference of N5,219,992,904.96

Recall that the Tin Can Customs Area Controller, Musa Baba Abdullahi, had created a roadmap, clearly indicating an actualization of his mandate, bearing in mind the enormous expectations from the command, as one of the epic areas for revenue generation.

Subsequently, a cardinal aspect of his strategy became the mobilisation of critical stakeholders, through series of roundtables and consultations, aimed at ensuring that trade facilitation is given a boost, in line with global best practices.

Comptroller Abdullahi had also, at those parleys solicited the support of all parties in the Trade value chain, particularly on the issue of compliance with the fiscal and monetary policies of the Federal Government and the need for strict adherence.

The Maritime First further learnt that Abdullahi specifically caused the removal of all manner of bureaucratic bottlenecks and obstacles which might hinder access to information and intervention in critical areas.

This was exemplified in the open door policy of the Customs Area Controller as well as the establishment of Trade facilitation and Dispute Resolution Platforms for expeditious Resolution of  Disputes arising from the various transactions.

Confirming this, Comptroller Abdullahi highlighted that the day was still young, and the command would leave no stones unturned, in the task of boosting revenue, while raising the bar on trade facilitation.

Also read: Border drill: Customs warns petrol marketers in Seme against sharp practices

“We are optimistic that all things being equal, the operational templates that has been put in place by the Customs Area Command, will surely lead to monumental Revenue collection”, Abdullahi highlighted.

“On the issue of the Global pandemic, we are glad to inform you that our Sensitization campaign on the subject, began with the news of the outbreak of the disease in Wuhan China in November 2019, following a circular from customs headquarters, which compelled Customs commands to commence awareness and education on ways of containing the virus”, the CAC also said.

Expatiating on the revenue collection feat, the Command Public Relations Officer, Uche Ejesieme explained that the Tin Can Island Command had been proactive, particularly on the issues of stakeholders’ welfare, smooth cargo clearing and strict collection of Government revenue.

“Following the report of the Index case in Nigeria, the command began even more intensive and aggressive campaign, with the visit, by the Zonal medical personnel of the service, led by Dr Bello, in collaboration with our Resident Medical personnel”, posited Ejesieme adding that relevant lectures were also held.

“Lectures were delivered on the safest measures which officers and stakeholders should adopt to keep safe.

“Participants were also advised to always maintain Social Distancing, use of Latex gloves, sanitizers and Regular handwashing, amongst other safety measures.

“Beyond all of this, the Area Controller also directed the erection of signages at strategic places in the command, that conveyed very salient information to Stakeholders on additional measures we have adopted to ensure the safety and health of our employees and other stakeholders!”, the Command image maker further observed.