By Bon Peters
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: The Nigeria Customs Service Area 1 Command in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has announced a remarkable achievement in revenue generation for the first quarter of 2024. According to Comptroller Mustapha Hashim, the Area Controller of the Command, a staggering ₦43,625,986,168.40 was collected, marking a substantial 23.68% of the Command’s annual revenue target of ₦184,221,730,121.48.
Comptroller Hashim disclosed this in a press release on Monday, emphasizing the significant increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023, with a 53.03% surge in revenue. Notably, January and March of 2024 saw outstanding collections surpassing monthly targets, amounting to ₦17,065,088,480.16 and ₦16,601,579,604.01, respectively. February experienced a minor shortfall with ₦9,959,318,084.23 in collections.
The Controller expressed confidence in meeting the Command’s yearly revenue objective, attributing the success to improved enforcement and stakeholder compliance. Additionally, the Command has prioritized capacity building, conducting training programs focusing on fraud detection and clearance procedures.
In the export sector, there was a remarkable increase in metric tons, soaring to 2,098,457.61 compared to 669,037.95 in 2023, reflecting a remarkable 213% rise. Comptroller Hashim highlighted a substantial increase in Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fees, reaching ₦1,415,491,519.87, a significant 430% surge from the previous year.
Anticipating further growth, Hashim mentioned the upcoming operations of Ibeto Wharf, expecting a boost in import and export activities. He commended the dedication of Command personnel and acknowledged the leadership of CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for steering the Nigeria Customs Service.
The impressive revenue figures coupled with strategic initiatives underscore the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to fiscal goals and operational excellence.
