The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated this during a presentation at the RMAFC office in Abuja.
The CGC announced the upcoming launch of a revenue recovery exercise initiated in 2023, which recovered over N17 billion within four months.
He assured that the service would implement lessons learnt from the beginning of 2024, particularly strengthening the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Unit.
The CGC, pleading for support from the commission and other agencies, revealed that since his appointment in 2023, the service has taken significant steps in revenue recovery and addressing areas of possible revenue leakages.
He emphasised the need to build trust when collaborating with other government agencies to achieve objectives.
He disclosed that there are agencies with legal provisions to stay at the port, while the NCS is actively collaborating with them to streamline processes and ensure their presence doesn’t hinder trade facilitation.
Adeniyi clarified that the goal is not to assign blame but to reduce the time and cost of conducting business in the ports.
“Looking at the target of N5.1 trillion, every naira and kobo we can collect, block and remit is very important,” he stated.
In her paper presentation, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), Ekanem Asuquo, highlighted NCS’ core functions, legal framework and the need to calculate import duties accurately for proper payments.
On his part, the Chairman of RMFC, Bello Shehu, emphasised the Commission’s role in monitoring NCS activities.
He sought NCS’ support to recover funds, improve revenue mobilisation, block leakages and advise the administration on measures to increase revenue generation.
