In a historic accomplishment, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) reported a remarkable daily revenue collection of N16,021,660,412.00 on February 23, 2024. This achievement surpasses the previous highest daily collections of N11.3 billion on November 22, 2023, and N10 billion on August 3, 2023.
Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba attributes this success to strategic initiatives implemented under his leadership. He commended the officers and staff for their dedication to zero tolerance for infractions and emphasized the importance of upholding the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023.
The impressive revenue collection amid a decline in trade volume is credited to weekly strategy meetings between the CAC and sectional heads. These meetings focus on reviewing and addressing challenges to enhance the command’s performance.
Comptroller Jaiyeoba highlighted increased stakeholder engagements, fostering collaboration with government agencies, importers, exporters, and terminal operators. The command’s commitment to modern customs administration is evident in the improved efficiency of container scanning, reducing processing time.
While commending the commitment and integrity displayed by the officers, Comptroller Jaiyeoba urged importers, licensed customs agents, and freight forwarders to embrace scanning. He emphasized that sincere declaration is a mark of integrity, saving time and money. Failure to do so could lead to delays, demand notices, and hinder the benefits of fast track and potential migration to Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status.
Customs Public Relations Officer CSC Abubakar Usman, speaking on behalf of CAC Apapa Command, expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that led to this milestone, highlighting the command’s commitment to utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) for efficient trade facilitation.
The Apapa Customs Service, under the leadership of CAC Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, continues to set new standards in revenue generation and trade facilitation, marking a positive trajectory for the future of customs operations in Nigeria.