.. makes seizures valued at N28.1b, to build university
By Stella Odueme
The Comptroller-General of Customs,
Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has disclosed that NCS hits its 2024 revenue target of N5.07 trillion projection by collecting NGN 5,079,455,088,194.38 as at November with more than a month remaining in the fiscal year and making seizure valued at at NGN 28.1 billion.
The CGC who disclosed at the ongoing Comptroller-General Customs Conference 2024 with the Theme: “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional And New
Partners With Purpose” on Wednesday in Abuja said as parts of efforts to address its human resources deficit, plans are top gear to establish Customs University.
“I am pleased to announce that yesterday 12 November 2024, at exactly 13:10 Hrs, the Nigeria Customs Service hit its 2024 revenue target of NGN 5.07 trillion, collecting NGN 5,079,455,088,194.38 with more than a month
remaining in the fiscal year.
“This exceptional performance – projected to exceed
our target by 10% – validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue
collection and trade facilitation. The achievement is not merely about numbers;
it demonstrates how enhanced stakeholder collaboration, improved processes,
and modernized systems can deliver tangible results for our nation’s economy.
“In fulfilling our enforcement mandate, we have achieved unprecedented success in protecting both our citizens and economy. The scale of our intervention
is reflected in seizures valued at NGN 28.1 billion and counting in 2024 alone.
“These seizures span critical areas of national concern – from wildlife items and
arms and ammunition to narcotics and pharmaceutical products. A important
moment in our enforcement strategy was the declaration of a state of emergency
at our major ports, which led to the interception of 48 containers of illicit
pharmaceutical items and narcotics, significantly disrupting the flow of potentially harmful products.
“Through strategic operations, we continue to
intercept and seize prohibited items that pose direct threats to public health and
safety. Our enforcement activities have been particularly impactful in addressing
items that could worsen our current economic challenges,” the CGC stressed.
He noted that a significant internal challenge NCS must address is the
unprecedented rate of leadership transitions within the Service.
“The statistics tell a compelling story: we saw 60% of our management team exit in 2022, 36% in
2023, and this year, we will experience a 76% change in our management composition. With projections indicating another 40% of our management staff
retiring in 2024, we recognize the urgent need for strategic intervention.
“In
response, we have launched an ambitious Human Resource Development Plan
that addresses both immediate and long-term needs. This includes accelerated
career progression opportunities for deserving officers, ensuring that talent and
dedication are appropriately rewarded.
“Most significantly, we are making a
historic investment in human capital infrastructure through the establishment of
a Customs University – a testament to our commitment to building a knowledge-driven service,” Adeniyi said.
The CGC who described the conference’s theme as very relevant said reflecting on NCS’s successes and
challenges, he realised that no single agency can effectively
meet today’s customs challenges alone.
“The intricate nature of international trade,
coupled with our internal transformation, demands innovative partnerships and
collaborative approaches.
“I must express profound gratitude to His Excellency, the President, for his
support of our modernization initiatives. To our partners – both traditional and new – your collaboration has been instrumental in our achievements despite the
challenges we’ve faced.
“To the hardworking officers and men of the Nigeria
Customs Service, particularly those who have served and those preparing to take
up new leadership roles, your dedication continues to drive our success.”
