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Tag: NCS

  • Nigeria Customs Service generates N1.3trn in first quarter 2024

    Nigeria Customs Service generates N1.3trn in first quarter 2024

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it generated more than N1.3 trillion revenue in the first quarter of 2024.

    The Comptroller General (C-G) of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on its activities in the first quarter of 2024, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    “The total revenue collected during this period amounted to N1,347,675,608,972.75.

    “The collection for the first quarter represents a substantial increase of 122.35 per cent compared to the same period last year, where N606,119,935,146.67 was collected,” he said.

    Adeniyi explained that the month-by-month analysis illustrated the service’s impressive growth trajectory in Jan. 2024, where it recorded revenue of N390,824 billion, an increase of 95.6 per cent compared to that of Jan. 2023 of N199.81 billion.

    He added that in February, the service recorded 138.68 per cent growth and in March, 132.76 per cent compared to 2023.

    The C-G said that the service, within the  quarter under review, recorded 572 seizures of various items valued at N10.59 billion in Duty Paid Value (DPV) and 22 suspects were arrested.

    According to him, rice constituted 39 per cent of the seizures, followed by petroleum products at 26 per cent, with motor vehicles and textiles accounting for nine and six per cent respectively.

    He said that the service was determined to address smuggling and harassment of its personnel during operations in border communities through strengthened anti-smuggling strategies with innovations such as Geographic Information System.

    “One notable initiative is the integration of geospatial technology alongside the utilisation of satellite imagery and Artificial Intelligence tools and techniques.

    “These efforts were initiated upon my assumption  of office to combat the longstanding issue of smuggling and enhance the NCS’s enforcement capabilities for effective monitoring of our extensive 4,000 km borders.

    “Additionally, this initiative will establish a Command and Control center to monitor activities along our borders comprehensively,” he said.

    Adeniyi noted that even though customs recorded a decrease in the volume of import transactions in the first quarter, it was working toward streamlining its trade processes to address bottlenecks and optimise its efficiency across ports for seamless trade transactions.

    He said that the service also recorded several systemic challenges related to non-compliance with regulations, infrastructure limitations, and significant fluctuations in exchange rates applied in the clearance of consignments.

    The NCS boss explained that in the first  quarter 2024, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directed 28 rates, and such fluctuations resulted in an average applied exchange rate of NGN 1,314.03 per one dollar in the clearance of customs goods during the quarter.

    He explained that the fluctuations affected and disrupted the activities of its stakeholders and the potential of its revenue.

    Consequently, Adeniyi said that the NCS,  with the support of the Minister of Finance, has initiated periodic consultations with the CBN to mitigate the potential impact of exchange rate fluctuations on import activities.

  • NCS reopens Kamba border in Kebbi

    NCS reopens Kamba border in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reopened the international boarder in Kamba town of Dandi LGA in Kebbi State to promote international trading between Nigeria and the neighboring countries of Niger and Benin Republics.

    This is contained in statement signed by SC Mohammed Tajuddeen-Salisu, spokesperson of the Kebbi Area Command of the service and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

    He said,”The newly appointed Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), Kebbi Command, Mr. Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, on Friday, reopened Border for international trade as directed by the Comptroller-General of the Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale-Adeniyi.

    The statement reported Ernest-Ojike saying that the border reopening was aimed at paving the way for legitimate trade that would impact positively on nation building.

    “This is not a permission for importation of prohibited items that would ransack the economy and compromise national security,” he said.

    ” The officers and men of the command are ever ready to facilitate legitimate trade and act within the ambit of the law to simplify trade across Kamba Border.”

    This is “as long as stakeholders import what is permitted by Customs extant laws, make proper declaration and pay appropriate duties to the Federal Government coffers”.

    The spokesperson also reported the CAC as saying that food grains were still prohibited for exportation out of the country, considering the current scarcity of food in the nation.

    The District Head of Kamba, Alhaji Mamuda Fana, commended the effort of the Federal Government, saying it was a new ray of hope to his people who had interest in cross-border businesses, and even small scale business owners domiciled in the area.

    “I promise the Federal Government and NCS that my people will be cautioned on illegitimate trade and the advantage of reopening of the border to the country,” he promised.

  • Customs intercepts ammunition worth N500m; hands over seized rifles, pistols

    Customs intercepts ammunition worth N500m; hands over seized rifles, pistols

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, said it intercepted 940 round of ammunition worth N557,120,828.00 concealed in sacks of garri (cassava flakes) at Idiroko axis of the state.

    The Area Controller, Mr Ahmadu Shuaibu, said this at a media conference on Friday in Idiroko, Ogun.

    Shuaibu said while carrying out anti-smuggling operation on March 14, along the border line, operatives of the Command intercepted smuggled 940 round of ammunition concealed in sacks of garri.

    He explained that the Command had been on the trail of the smuggling cartel from the Republic of Benin, for more than two weeks.

    Shuiabu stated further that while trailing the cartel, intelligence revealed the level of surveillance mounted and security beef-up by the unscrupulous elements, to safeguard the items and evade arrest.

    “The superior security network of the Command eventually aided the seizure but we lost the suspects, as the items were abandoned by the suspected smugglers who absconded in a bid to evade arrest.

    “In addition, the Command also recorded the seizure of 123 sacks and 3,172 parcels of cannabis sativa, hemp; 380 pieces of donkey skin; 304 bales of used clothes; and 910 cartons of frozen poultry products, among others,” he said.

    According to Shuaibu, the items were intercepted at the creeks, border lines and other strategic locations across Ogun, through the Command’s intelligence network and 24 hours patrol/anti-smuggling activities by its operatives.

    The controller added that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the total seizure amounted to N557,120,828.00.

    The controller said in recent times, the command carried out operations with zero casualty, and that the Customs valued the lives of its personnel.

    He added that operatives of the Command carried arms to protect their lives where and when necessary.

    The controller warned recalcitrant smugglers that their days were numbered as they would not go unpunished.

    The controller appealed to well-meaning and patriotic Nigerians to join forces with the command in its fight against smuggling of harmful substance, light weapons, arms and ammunition.

    He stressed that the items posed great threat to national security and had the potential of destroying lives and property.

    Shuaibu emphasised that the command was open to receiving intelligence and assured prospective partners of maximum security.

    He added that the command had generated N24,283,788 revenue from baggage assessment and auction of petroleum products from January till date.

    Shuaibu commended the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and his management team, for his  continuous support which had played a significant role in enhancing the command’s operations and contributed to its achievements.

    He applauded the efforts of his gallant operatives, the Customs Intelligence Unit as well as the customs police Unit in enhancing the Command’s operations.

    Shuaibu also appreciated the efforts of various sister agencies and other critical stakeholders.

    Tin Can Customs hands over seized rifles, pistols and narcotics to SSS, NDLEA

    Tin Can Island Customs Command, on Friday, said its officers intercepted 11 rifles and six pistols, including their ammunitions together with banned drugs in different containers at the port.

    Addressing newsmen in Lagos, the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Customs Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, said that the seizures,  at different periods, were from January to date.

    He, however, said that the source of the arms and ammunition would not be disclosed due to ongoing investigations.

    According to him, the effort  showcased the successes recorded by the command in collaboration with ts partner agencies in the area of enforcement.

    “The Command anti-smuggling drive has yielded the following result; one 20P 9964 Rifle; another 20P 9964 Rifle; one Pump Action Rifle; one Practical Tactical 30H 80019922 Rifle; another 20P 992 Rifle; two AV Pump Action Rifle; and yet another P10115 Rifle.

    “In total, we seized 11 rifles and six pistols from different containers imported into the country at different times.

    “We also seized psychotropic substances imported into the country, but were intercepted through collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),” he said.

    Nnadi said the collaboration led to the seizure of several kilograms of Cannabis Indica (marijuana) at the port.

    He added that 23 packages containing 23 kilograms of heroin concealed in a container were also seized and that the identities of those involved were still kept secret due to ongoing investigation.

    “Our vigour to make this seizures is in furtherance of the resolve of the Federal Government to make this country safe.

    “We are all aware that the conveyers of this seizures intend to use them for nefarious activities which include support to insurgents, kidnapping activities and other vices that are inimical to the well-being and security of our nation.

    “In the area of revenue generation; for the first two months and 14 days of this year, the Tin-Can Customs Command has been able to generate N240.3 billion. This is what we have generated from January to  today, 15th of March, 2024.

    “If you recall, our revenue target on a monthly basis is N94,000 billion. What this means is that we have been able to surpass our expected revenue target of N188 billion for January and February.

    “By way of percentage, we have surpassed our January revenue target by 107 per cent and also surpassed our February target by 141 per cent. I will not give you the percentage for March because we are still in the middle of March,” he said.

    The Area Commander National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at Tincan Island Port, Mr Muhammed Abubakar, commended the efforts of the targeted team of both customs and NDLEA for their diligence which led to the seizures.

    Abubakar, who was also the commander Narcotics of NDLEA at Tin Can Port, said that the heroin intercepted had a connection with the recent intercepted drugs at the Muritala Muhammed Air Ports in Lagos.

    “We had a seizure of about 51.9 kg of heroin, the seizure are the same syndicate, they operate everywhere across the West African countries.

    “This seizure has proven the solid collaboration between NDLEA and Customs. We are appealing to the media to support the fight against smuggling and to safeguard the security of our own borders.

    “The shippers of the illicit drugs had been detained in their country and investigation is on going,” Abubakar said.

    He also promised to improve on all collaborations with the Customs to stop such illicit drugs from getting into the country.

  • Only Tinubu can reopen borders – Customs boss

    Only Tinubu can reopen borders – Customs boss

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, on Saturday, said that only President Bola Tinubu has the prerogative to reopen borders in the country.

    He stated this at an interaction session with members of the Kongolam border community in Mai’adua Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Adeniyi, who was reacting to agitation for the reopening of the borders, assured that engagements and consultations were being made regarding the issue.

    “Once consultations are concluded, a decision will be taken on the matter,” he said.

    According to Adeniyi, the Service will focus on removing obstacles militating against free trade in line with the present administration’s agenda of fostering economic prosperity.

    He said that proactive measures had been employed to reduce the number of checkpoints along the border posts, and promote synergy between the Service personnel and traders.

    “We are conscious of the concerns of the border communities, particularly with regards to the number of checkpoints and the closure of land borders

    “I assure you that our operations are always guided by law and we only operate on delegated powers.

    “We have communicated the concerns and complaints by residents of the border communities to the President.

    “Because he has listening ears, and directed that we should release confiscated food items, on the condition that it only be sold in Nigerian markets,” he said.

    Adeniyi said the Service was collaborating with the Police and other sister agencies to address obstacles militating against free trade in the border areas.

    “We know that there are markets around our borders, and we know that not all of them are targeted at taking goods across the borders.

    “We will continue to monitor and ensure that food that is produced in Nigeria remains and is consumed in Nigeria. This is because we are in a period of national emergency that has to do with food insufficiency.

    “And that is why we must collectively work together to assist the government to enforce the various laws prohibiting exportation of food items at this time,” he said.

    He said the Export Prohibition Act banned exportation of maize, rice, beans, yam, millet and sorghum.

    While commending the synergy between the Service and other security agencies, Adeniyi thanked other stakeholders for their supports.

    Adeniyi also visited former President Muhammad Buhari and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruq-Umar.

  • CBN amends formula for fixing FX rates for Customs Duty on importation

    CBN amends formula for fixing FX rates for Customs Duty on importation

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reviewed the formula for fixing foreign exchange rates for Customs duty on importation.

    Dr Hassan Mahmud, the Director, Trade and Exchange Department of the CBN said this in a memo addressed to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the general public on Friday in Abuja.

    According to Mahmud, the idea is to check irregular changes in the Import Duty Assessment levies applied by the NCS.

    “Following the liberalisation of the FX market, the CBN has noted the concern of Importers of goods and services in the irregular changes in the Import Duty Assessment levies applied by the NCS.

    “These developments have further built uncertainties around the pricing structure of goods and services in the economy.

    “It is creating abnormal increase in the final sale prices of items, which is largely driven by uncertainty rather than traditional market fundamentals, with implications to near term inflation trend.

    “To this effect, the CBN wishes to advise that the NCS and other related parties adopt the closing FX rate on the date of opening Form M for the importation of goods, as the FX rate to be used for Import Duty Assessment,” he said.

    The director said that this rate would remain valid until the date of termination of the importation and clearance of goods by importers.

    He said that this would enable the NCS and the importers to plan appropriately and reduce the uncertainties around varying daily exchange rate in determining their revenue or cost structure.

    “Therefore, effective Feb. 26, the closing rate on the date of opening of Form M for the importation of goods and services will be the rates that will apply for the assessment of import duty.

    “This supersedes the requirements of Memorandum 9 of the CBN Foreign Exchange Manual.

    “While the CBN is mindful of the initial volatility and price distortions in the aftermath of the FX market liberalisation, the apex bank is confident that these reforms would ensure stability in the market and entrench market confidence,” he said.

    The NCS had adjusted its FX rate for tariffs and duty collection to N1,413 to the dollar on Feb. 3.

    The NCS had earlier adjusted the rate from N951 to N1,356 to the dollar on Feb. 2.

    The frequent review of Customs exchange rates for computing Import Duty had raised concerns among Nigeria’s business community.

  • Food Security: Customs unveils tactics to combat illegal food exports

    Food Security: Customs unveils tactics to combat illegal food exports

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has unveiled a strategic anti-smuggling operation to counter the illicit exportation of critical food resources for individual financial gain.

    The move is in response to the current challenges of food security in Nigeria and the increasingly high costs of essential food items.

    NCS made this known in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, the Comptroller General of the service, Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirms his commitment to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s food security agenda, as outlined in the NCS’s core mandate of serving Nigeria’s best interests, including facilitating economic stability and prosperity.

    He said in view of that, NCS had embarked on measures to facilitate the direct disposal of food forfeited to the Federal Government after undergoing the necessary due process of certification.

    “This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.

    “Furthermore, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “These items will be certified fit for consumption by relevant agencies and made available to ordinary Nigerians nationwide through equitable distribution in our Areas of Operations.

    “The modalities for the disposal will be communicated through NCS formations nationwide, with a firm commitment to transparency, fairness, and public safety.

    “It is our pledge that this exercise will be managed diligently to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need,”he said.

    The service Spokesperson said that NCS remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding the nation’s food security and advancing the economic wellbeing of all Nigerians with the cooperation of the public.

    “We will surmount these challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future for our beloved nation,” he said President Bola Tinubu had on Feb. 15, directed the 36 governors of the federation to collaborate with security agencies to stop food hoarding, by monitoring the warehouses of merchants profiteering from such activities.

    The President, however, stated that he would not approve food importation and price control in order to encourage local food production.

     

  • NCS intercepts 4 trucks of food items in Kano

    NCS intercepts 4 trucks of food items in Kano

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano Area Command, says it has intercepted four trucks of food items as part of efforts to tackle smuggling.

    This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of the Service, Saidu Nuradeen, on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said that personnel of the Service intercepted the vehicles transporting a significant quantity of food items intended for illegal export along Hadejia – Taura – Ringim axis in Jigawa.

    Nuradeen listed the items to include 1,505 cartons of big and small size dried fish, 17 bags of local variety rice and two bags of beans.

    According to him, the seizure underscores the relentless effort of the Service to enforce the border closure policy aimed at safeguarding the nation’s economy and ensure food security.

    “Smuggling undermines legitimate trade channels, poses risks to public health and deprives the government of much needed revenue.

    “The NCS reiterates its unwavering commitment to combat smuggling activities across all entry points into the country.
    While urging members of the public to provide credible information to enable it to stem smuggling, Nuradeen reitrated commitments to curb illicit activities to protect local industries and enhance food security.

    Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, IQ Ibudu
    urged the the Maigatari border community to be vigilant and abide by the land border closure in line with the ECOWAS directives.

    She said that the government adopted proactive measures to address social and economic challenges bedevilling the country.
    Also, the Controller, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Dauda Ibrahim Chana, enjoined border communities to cooperate with the Service and other security agencies to safeguard border posts.
    He assured them that the Service was committed to address their needs, especially in terms of community relations.

     

  • MMAC Customs generates N90.43bn in 2023

    MMAC Customs generates N90.43bn in 2023

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Airport Command (MMAC), has generated N90.43 billion from customs duty and other charges in 2023.

    The Area Controller, Comptroller Muhammed Yusuf, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

    Yusuf also disclosed that the command had been given a target of N144 billion for 2024.

    He said the revenue indicated an increase of N20.66 billion when compared with N69.77 billion generated in 2022.

    “This clearly shows a progressive difference of N20.66 billion, depicting 29.61 per cent increase of collection.

    “The difference recorded was made possible as a result of resilience of officers in ensuring that agents were made to do proper declarations and made to adhere strictly to import/export guidelines in tandem with extant laws,” he said.

    Yusuf noted that the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, had urged officers to sit up and block all leakages through technology to achieve the 2024 target.

    He added that officers and men of the command had not rested on their oars in enforcing government fiscal policies and other trade guidelines to tackle smuggling.

    The customs boss said the command during the period under review made a total of 10 seizures.

    Yusuf said the items include tramadol, military camouflage jackets, military hard wares, counterfeit medicaments, dried shark fins and dried donkey genitals.

    “These items with the cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N47.21 billion were seized mainly because of various forms of infractions.

    “The infractions range from false declarations, non compliance with the estimated threshold and failure to comply with other extant regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act,” he said.

    He pointed out that most of the relevant items had been handed over to concerned sister agencies in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration.

    Yusuf said the command had maintained an open-door policy and resolved a lot of issues of common interest with concerned stakeholders.

    He appreciated the command’s critical stakeholders, sister agencies and the media for their collaborative efforts and synergy while carrying out their statutory mandate in the state.

    “I want to appreciate the CGC and his management team for opportunity to perform and urge officers and men of the command to remain focus and steadfast in discharging their assigned responsibilities,” he said.

     

  • How we will achieve N5.1 trillion revenue target – Customs

    How we will achieve N5.1 trillion revenue target – Customs

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said it cannot afford to disappoint the country in realising its N5 trillion revenue target for 2024.

    Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said this shortly after decorating some promoted officers of the service on Thursday, in Abuja.

    Adeniyi stressed that achieving the revenue target of N5 trillion was feasible with the cooperation of the service key stakeholders and the dedication of its staff.

    While urging the personnel to assiduously work hard to meet the target, the Customs CG noted the country was confronting daunting challenges and needed the support of everyone to overcome and move the economy forward.

    He solicited the support of the National Assembly, specifically committees responsible for oversight functions on the service, in the discharge of duties and achieving the feat.

    “We have a country, where economic operators, importers, exporters, depend a lot on our processes, on our commitment and on our efficiency for their own business.

    “We cannot afford to disappoint these stakeholders. We cannot afford to disappoint the economy.

    “We cannot afford to disappoint the president who has given us this opportunity and special privilege to be in charge of this critical aspect of our economic development,” Adeniyi said,

    He charged the decorated officers to drive the process as some of its finest personnel, especially as some of them were beneficiaries of the service’s special promotion scheme for  excellent performances of duties.

    “My charge to all officers and men of the Nigeria customs service in 2024 is to realise the burden put on our shoulder and work assiduously together as a team to realise  the mandate before us,” he said.

    According to him, promotion assessment in the service would be continually reviewed for improvement.

    He added that the promotion of the officers was a demonstration of his commitment to motivate staff and improve on their welfare.

    “What we have just seen is an indication of our strong commitment to promoting issues of welfare and career progression among all our officers,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the decorated officers, Assistant Comptroller Ify Ogbodu assured the C-G of working hard to deliver the mandate of the service, particularly in enhancing service delivery, professionalism, diligence and adhering to principles of integrity.

    Recall Adeniyi at the budget defence for 2024 had told the legislators that the customs revenue target for 2023 was N3.684 trillion but that only N2.959 trillion had been generated.

  • Customs targets N6 trillion revenue in 2024

    Customs targets N6 trillion revenue in 2024

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it plans to generate N6 trillion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for the Federal Government in 2024.

    The NCS Comptroller-General, Mr Adewale Adeniyi, stated this at the 2024 budget defense before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation on Monday in Abuja.

    Adeniyi said that the amount was higher than the N5 trillion originally projected in the budget.

    “I share the optimism of increasing the revenue to N6 trillion in 2024. So, N6 trillion revenue in 2024 is possible,” he said.

    He said the service would be able to generate the N6 trillion revenue if the federal government reduced concession grants in 2024.

    “The new law will also help us to facilitate a number of issues that will make revenue generation possible,” he said.

    He frowned at frequent import waivers by government, saying that it was one of the factors that had impeded revenue generation.

    “If we can get N1.8 trillion in one year that shows the N6 trillion revenue for 2024 is achievable,” he said.

    He said many of the goods at the ports were yet to be cleared, adding that when the NCS looked into its system, a number of bill laden were not opened.

    He said when an internal audit was conducted, it showed that the NCS realised over N11 billion from that exercise, adding that there were still lots of goods yet to be cleared.

    Speaking on import duty exception, Adeniyi said it was usually a presidential order given through the Minister of Finance.

    Rep. Abubakar Bitchi, the Chairman of the Committee, commended Adeniyi for his efforts to generate more revenue for the government.

    “Is there a possibility to increase your revenue, we will be glad if you can make it N6 trillion for 2024,” he said.

    Bitchi said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu would not be achieved unless the revenue generating agencies increased their targeted revenue.

    He said the 2024 appropriation bill was laudable, adding that it would only materialise if there was enough money to meet the N27.5 trillion budget.