From Ralph Omololu Agbana, Lokoja

Chairman, House Committee on Customs and Excise, Leke Abejide, has reaffirmed the committee’s resolve to assess the operations, revenue performance and capital projects of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in line with the 2023 and 2024 budgetary approvals.

Abejide made this known during visits by his committee to the Seme and Idiroko area commands in Lagos and Ogun states, respectively.

The committee assignment, which commenced on Monday, is part of the statutory oversight responsibilities of the National Assembly as enshrined in Section 88 and 89 of the Constitution.

Abejide said: “We are here to check your books, operations and ongoing projects to ensure alignment with appropriated funds and to determine areas for retention or removal in 2025 budget”.

He emphasised the need for the command to provide data on revenue performance in relation to targets, impact of e-Customs and digital platforms and efforts made in suppressing smuggling and promoting Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

He said the welfare of customs officers were of equal priority, encouraging the command to use the opportunity to present actionable needs for inclusion in 2025 budget.

In his remarks, Seme Area Command Comptroller, Dr Ben Oramalugo, who received the House Committee members, expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as a strong demonstration of their committee towards enhancing Customs administration, trade facilitation and national revenue optimisation.