By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generated N1.003 trillion as revenue in the first six months of 2021, 40.6 per cent higher than what it generated in the same period of 2020.
This was disclosed by the Customs Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Attah, while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, July 8.
He said the amount was realised from January to June 2021, adding that this was higher than the N713.5 billion generated within the same period in 2020 by N290.2 billion.
“Hitting the trillion-Naira mark within six months is unprecedented in the service.
“This feat is as a result of a resolute pursuit of what is right and willingness to adapt to changes brought about by global health challenges occasioned by COVID-19.
“The service revenue profile continues to be on the increase due to on-going reforms that exploit the potentials of technology.
“This is possible through robust automation of the processes and procedures, deploys officers strictly based on the Standard Operating Procedure.
“Robust stakeholder sensitisation resulting in more informed/voluntary compliance as well as an improved working relationship with the National Assembly,” he explained.
He continued, “As stated by the CGC earlier in the year, it is always the desire of the service to generate more revenue than what is set for it, given favourable environment.
“NCS will always be willing and happy to break its records as it is in this case of over one trillion Naira in six months,” he said.
Similarly, Mr Attah also disclosed that within the period under review, the service effected, a total number of 2,333 assorted seizures with duty paid value at N4.4 billion.
The NCS spokesman noted that some of these seizures included dangerous items like arms and ammunition, illicit drugs and food items like rice, vegetable oil.
He added that what was seized could have had grave consequences on national security and the economy.
Modupe Gbadeyanka