Tin Can Customs Collects N145.9bn in January, Plans Paperless Goods Clearance
*Compt Onyeka advises importers, agents to be honest in declaration to enjoy paperless regime
By Francis Ugwoke
The Tin Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday announced an impressive revenue collection of N145.9bn for the month of January.
The figure, according to the Area Controller, Compt. Frank Onyeka, is an improvement compared to the amount recorded during the same period last year, which was ₦116.4 billion.
Onyeka said the impressive figure was as a result of teamwork, cooperation from stakeholders and continued support from the Comptroller General of the Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.
The Controller who spoke during a press briefing with newsmen also appreciated the maritime media for responsible reportage of the events of the Command, adding that this helped his management team in operational reforms and building of stakeholders confidence.
On the way forward this year, he said that the Command will introduce paperless cargo clearance.
He explained that this digital approach has the benefit of checking delays in goods clearance.
Above all, he added that the paperless regime will also reduce unnecessary human contact, fasten clearance of goods and eliminate corrupt practices.
The Controller described himself as a ‘trade enabler’ who believes so much in trade facilitation.
He disclosed that in the effort to collect revenue for the government, he does not believe in ‘maximum’ revenue collection, but in ‘collectible’ revenue, adding that the Customs Service is all out to support businesses and employment generation.
The Controller said that under the leadership of Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi, the Command is fully committed to modernizing operations of the Service for efficiency.
According to him, the Command will deploy technology to ensure efficient service delivery, saying,” Customs officers are now equipped to operate as 21st-century professionals, guided by global best practices.”
He also advised that in the paperless regime being planned, importers and their customs agents have to be honest in declarations to be able to enjoy the regime when introduced.
Onyeka said the Command has lined up series of engagements with stakeholders this year on the programmes of the Command that are aimed at service delivery.
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