Customs: We’ve recorded over N333bn revenue in four months

Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller-general of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says the agency has recorded N333.9 billion between July and October this year.

Adeniyi said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a national workshop on legislative compliance.

The workshop was themed ‘The imperatives of legislative compliance in deepening democracy and good governance’.

He said customs collected an average revenue of N202 billion in the first half of the year.

Adeniyi added that in the past four months, monthly revenue collection surged to N333.9 billion showing a 65.5 percent increase.

“One of our early achievements has been a remarkable boost in monthly revenue collection,” he said.

“I am delighted to announce that we have consistently exceeded the monthly target collection of N307 billion, marking a remarkable departure from previous performances.”

Adeniyi also said customs partnership with the national assembly had yielded positive outcomes through a review and enhancement of tariff structures and regulations.

He said the NCS had managed to optimise revenue collection and ensured that funds were available for national development projects.

“The joint efforts of the NCS and the legislative arm of government have allowed us to respond effectively to public concerns and petitions,” Adeniyi said.

Speaking on challenges faced by the service, Adeniyi said customs often encountered budgetary constraints that limited its capacity to effectively enforce compliance.

The limitations, he added, could affect the acquisition of modern technology, the organisation of training, and the recruitment of personnel required for effective enforcement.

The customs boss said inadequate infrastructure and technology at border posts could impede the customs’ ability to inspect and regulate trade effectively, leaving room for non-compliance.