By Foster Obi
Motoring/Maritime Editor
Revenue of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has dropped, according to its Comptroller General, Hameed Ali, who made the disclosure when he visited the District Head of Gwadabawa, Sokoto State, Lawal Zayyana.
Ali said revenue slumped from N50 billion monthly from an average N80 billion because of low domestic and international trade and foreign reserves.
He warned that smuggling is crippling the economy, and “the only solution remains focusing more attention on mechanised farming to make Nigeria self-sufficient in food production.”
He promised that Customs personnel will continue to live above board so as to stop smuggling, including of arms and illicit drugs.
The drop in revenue impinges on the confidence Ali had expressed that the NCS would make N1 trillion in 2016.
“We have not received the 2016 revenue target from the budget office yet but we normally set a target for ourselves and we are looking at N1 trillion for 2016,” he said during the celebration of International Customs Day (ICD).
“We hope and are working to block all leakages and making sure that our system works perfectly’ and hopefully the polices of the government will also be in our favour ….
“The deployment of e-customs has boosted the Customs’ role of providing connectivity between nations divided by artificial borders.
“Collection of revenue and interception of harmful imports have been made easier with the help of technology.
“In line with the change mantra of the present government, let me remind all operatives and stakeholders alike not to abuse the process and corrupt the system.
“Any act calculated to distort and compromise the integrity of e-customs will not be tolerated and will be met with appropriate sanctions.”
Ali said the Customs always plays a leading role in using technology for collaboration and efficiency.
According to him, the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) and Nigeria Trade Hub and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) are electronic platforms for effective collaboration and ease of doing business in Nigeria.
He promised that stakeholders who distinguish themselves in the deployment and transparent use of e-customs to enhance revenue and national security would be encouraged and rewarded.
