By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service Area 1, Port Harcourt, Rivers state Command has announced an impressive 13.8 percent increase in revenue generation for the first ten months of 2023. Despite facing formidable challenges in the maritime industry, the Command managed to collect a total sum of ₦89.574 billion during this period.
This noteworthy disclosure came during a press briefing held at the Customs Area Command in Port Harcourt on Thursday. The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller CD Wada, shared the figures, revealing a substantial difference of ₦10.858 billion when compared to the corresponding period in 2022, which amounted to ₦72.463 billion.
Comptroller Wada emphasized that this difference represented a remarkable 13.8 percent increase in revenue. He further highlighted that the Command experienced a decrease in container cargo influx at the port during this period. However, import duties collected from bulk cargoes played a significant role in boosting the overall revenue.
Notable milestones were achieved in March, with revenue generation reaching ₦11.675 billion, and in August, with revenue hitting ₦11.834 billion. These figures marked a significant improvement over the previous year’s collections of ₦8.310 billion and ₦9.677 billion, respectively.
Comptroller Wada expressed optimism about the ongoing month of October 2023, stating that the Command had already collected ₦11.909 billion. He expected this figure to surpass the revenue collected in previous months of the year.
The Comptroller attributed this success to the Command’s rigorous engagement with critical stakeholders, which included various sensitization programs and training, particularly on issues related to statutory clearance procedures. He stressed that the positive feedback received was a testament to the achievements thus far.
Comptroller Wada underscored that the Command insisted on the payment of all unpaid assessments, resulting in an additional value of over ₦1.762 billion derived from Demand Notices (DN) issued to importers with infractions on their importations.
Additionally, the Command organized various capacity-building programs for its officers and staff, covering essential topics such as Import and Export Procedures, Bond on Customs Procedures, NCS Fast Track 2.0, Customs-related Commercial Fraud, and the role of Intelligence Investigation and Memo Writing, among others.
In the realm of exports, the Command facilitated the exportation of 30,000 metric tons of charcoal and 26,000 metric tons of zinc and lead through the Ibeto Wharf. Comptroller Wada expressed confidence that the Ibeto Wharf’s operations would establish a sustainable import and export hub, contributing to a consistent revenue base.
Emphasizing the Command’s commitment to anti-smuggling activities, Comptroller Wada mentioned the implementation of a policy requiring 100 percent physical examination of containers, leading to the detention of containers suspected of false declarations. He issued a stern warning to would-be smugglers, stating that their containers would be seized, and culprits would face prosecution in court.
During the review period, the Command conducted working tours of their Bayelsa and Ahoada Out-Stations to assess Customs activities in those areas and foster collaboration with other government security agencies. These efforts aimed to enhance working relationships and align with national interests.
In conclusion, Comptroller CD Wada expressed his optimism that the Command’s strategic revenue collection efforts, collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders, and the dedication of its officers and staff would enable them to surpass the revenue collected in 2022. He also thanked the Customs leadership for their support and the Zonal Coordinator for a harmonious working relationship.
Goodwill messages were delivered by critical stakeholders and the Customs management team, praising Comptroller CD Wada for his positive impact on the Nigeria Customs Service administration, especially in Area 1.
The Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Area 1, Pastor Jerry Opara, acknowledged Comptroller Wada’s contribution and expressed the need for continued cooperation with the incoming Area Controller, Comptroller YM Hashim.
Representatives of Max Shipping/Ibeto Ports and Business Development applauded Comptroller Wada’s harmonious working relationship and wealth of experience. They expressed gratitude for his contributions to the maritime industry.
The event culminated with the official handover of the Area Command to the incoming Area Controller, Comptroller YM Hashim, who was described as a trusted and experienced customs revenue administrator by Comptroller Wada. In his acceptance speech, Comptroller Hashim pledged to continue the positive trajectory set by his predecessor and called for the collective effort of all stakeholders to uplift the Command to new heights. The event was attended by various government agencies, including NDLEA, NPA, Immigration, ANLCA, NAGAFF, and shipping companies, among others.
