Tin Can customs command generates N162.7bn in mid-2018

THE Tin Can Island Port Customs Command said it generated N162.70 billion in the first six months of 2018, up from N130 billion generated in the corresponding period of 2017.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Port, Comptroller Musa Abdullahi said this when he met with some stakeholders in his office on Monday in Lagos.

According to Abdullahi, the figure generated increased by N32,695 billion.

He noted that the command had been repositioned as the most business-friendly port, as all compliant declarants would be duly compensated and given special preference.

“We are deploying multi-layered approach in addressing the issues of compliance which is a panacea to Trade Facilitation, through reward for compliance and ensuring that compliant declarants are given expeditious attention.

“This is in line with the presidential directive on Ease of Doing Business.

“The Command is on the verge of fully automating key seats to enable seamless operations with reference to the just concluded training of officers on E-Transire and NSA-End User Certificate Procedure.

“The command affected seizure of assorted items ranging from used clothing, children toys, different types of furniture, bags of rice, shoes, handbags, used vehicles etc with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N138,75 million as against that of 2017 with DPV of N88,06 million.

“Tin Can Island Customs Command is in steady progression in all aspects of its primary functions and urged stakeholders to take advantage of the various complaints platforms in channelling their genuine grievances for necessary action.’’

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According to Abdullahi, I recall that during the period under review, the command also affected seizures of the large quantity of ammunition and other Military Hardware.

“The ammunitions were intercepted during scheduled examinations and the command would not lower its guards in ensuring that such illicit consignments do not pass through the command,’’ Abdullahi said.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, his management team, officers and men of the command, and other stakeholders at the Tin Can Island port for their support.

Abdullahi noted that the command would continue to leverage on the already harnessed competences of its hard-working personnel to carve a niche and remain outstanding in performing its statutory mandate.

On recurring multiple alerts due to non-compliance with the Fiscal Policies, Abdullahi assured that with the take-off of the “One Stop Shop” under construction, the issue would soon become history.

The Controller urged importers/agents to be honest about declarations, adding that the command remained committed to the change mantra of Ali and would not renege on its statutory responsibilities.