The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, on 17th July 2023 embarked on his first official visit to the Nigeria Customs Service, Zone A Headquarters Lagos.
Adewale’s first port of call was the Nigeria Customs Service Zone A Headquarters Lagos housing the administrative functions in the Southwest Zone. He was warmly welcomed by the Zonal Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller-General, Okun Festus.
In a brief to the Ag. CG, the Zonal Coordinator, said in the area of revenue generation, the Zone accounts for the generation of about 80% of the total revenue being generated by the service.
“In the year 2022, the Zone generated total revenue of about Two Trillion, one Hundred and five billion, Three Hundred and Sixty Five Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty one Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Seven Naira (N2,105,365,831,997) only. This translates to Eighty percent (80%) of a total Revenue of Two Trillion, Six Hundred and Forty one Billion, Six Hundred and Sixteen Million, Five Hundred and Forty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Ninety Four Naira, Eighty Three Kobo (N2,641,616,545,494.83)only generated for the period.
Okun stated that for the first Six Months of the current year, precisely, January-June, the Zone has generated a total Revenue of Nine Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Twenty Four Million, One Hundred and Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty One Naira (N939,624,106,351) only.
This, however, represents about seventy eight per cent (78%) of the total revenue of about One Trillion, Two Hundred and Five Billion, One Hundred and Eleven Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ninety Nine Naira, Thirty Three Kobo (N1,205,111,587,799.33) only. “With this, we are sure of attaining the threshold of not less than eighty per cent (80%) of the nationally generated revenue at the end of the year.” He added.
The Acting CG, in his response, thanked the Zonal Coordinator for the warm hospitality towards him and his team while stating that, he has no doubt in the ACG’s capabilities, going by his track records over the years.
According to the CGC, his visit to the Zone is symbolic in asserting the relevance and authority of the Zonal Headquarters. “It’s a mixed feeling for me. Despite the warm reception, the Zonal Office is known for how it is strategically located, its organisational structure and its hierarchy.
“After staying in this location for about 48 years, perhaps it is time to relocate this structure to a more befitting one and build a modern Zonal Office. We want to bring back the power of the Zone. We need a zone that is effective, well-designed, well located and can handle the new responsibilities that will be put on them. We assure all stakeholders that the movement and relocation will not affect service delivery.” CGC reiterated.”
Speaking further, Adewale said, proactive measures have been taken to strengthen the structure and it will be adequately positioned as a team will be set up to look at the current mandate of the Zonal Office and everything done previously that has been shifted to the Commands or Headquarters, will be reinstalled.
On the new Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 which has the enabling legal backing for Customs activities, the Acting CG, said a sensitization workshop will be organised for all cadre, as the management team has duly undergone a retreat recently.
“All Officers and Men must have a good understanding of the new Act, a closer look into the provision of the laws, shows that it gives us the power to deal with issues related to international trade, and customs clearance, but because the spirit of the laws is user and business-friendly, we will need a good knowledge to conduct ourselves as officers”.
