By Uzor Odigbo
The Seme-Krake border Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) said it has generated over N4.4 billion for November, 2023.
The Controller of the command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi who made the disclosure in a chart in his office at Seme said the command will continue to sustain the tempo in revenue drive elicited by the Controller General of Customs, Comptroller Bashir Adewale Adeniyi with a projection of generating over N5 billion by the month of December, 2023.
The export proceeds of the command within the same period he said stood at over N8bn.
Meanwhile, the Comptroller, maintained that documenting cross-border activities is crucial for business growth, fostering data-driven decisions and attracting businesses seeking specific products moving through Seme.
He said, “When I assume office on September 18, the command had collected about N1.9bn which was in excess of what was expected. The command had reached its target for the year by September 18.
“But am glad to report that by the end of November, the command would have collected about N4.4bn.
“In addition to that which is about N2.1bn against September and November. Hopefully, by the end of the year we will be doing over N5 billion.
“Ultimately, we are believing that by the end of the year, we will be doing between N11 billion and N12 billion. With trade being boosted on this command Seme has the potential of generating well over N25 to N30 billion.”
The controller expressed optimism that with the coming onboard of the current CG, the service has experienced many strategic reviews, with an unprecedented results in just a short while, even as things are beginning to pick up at all levels, human relations not left out.
Bomodi said simplified, automated processes will enhance trade facilitation, enabling smoother duty payments and examinations. Their goal he said includes having Nigerian customs officers stationed at Benin ports, reducing transit time and ensuring efficient movement of goods without redundant checks.
Seme he emphasised holds a pivotal role in regional trade, serving as the critical passage along the Lagos corridor, connecting trade routes from Lagos to Abidjan and beyond, he stated.
