Apapa Customs Generates N302bn in One Month – Mu’azu
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, generated N302.9 billion in October, exceeding N282.8 billion collected in September with an increase of N20.2 billion.
The Acting Customs Area Controller of Apapa Customs Command, Deputy Comptroller Murtala Mu’azu, said the October collection represented a month-on-month growth of approximately 7.13 per cent.
He said the achievement marked another monthly revenue collection above the N300 billion threshold, following the record N323 billion generated in July.
The Customs Public Relations Officer (PRO), Apapa Area Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.
Mu’azu said that the performance reflected the command’s drive to strengthen revenue generation while facilitating legitimate trade under his leadership.
Mu’azu, who assumed duty on Sept. 29, said he had prioritised stakeholder engagement, operational efficiency and improved service delivery in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs’ policy thrust.
“The policy thrust of the Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, focuses on Consolidation, Collaboration and Innovation to reposition the service for effective service delivery,” Mu’azu said.
Mu’azu said he held a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on Oct. 5, with importers, exporters, licensed agents, shipping companies and terminal operators to address operational challenges.
He said that the meeting addressed Demand Notice Delays, cargo clearance bottlenecks and other concerns affecting port users, while he also embarked on courtesy visits to strategic partners.
Mu’azu said that the visits were part of deliberate efforts to build bridges, strengthen institutional relationships, promote mutual understanding and foster collaboration for a conducive business environment.
“We have intensified efforts to review and streamline transit processing to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve inter-departmental coordination and reduce processing time without compromising compliance.
“Traders should not suffer consequences of avoidable administrative lapses. We must identify challenges, address their root causes and adopt practical solutions that will promote seamless business operations,” he said.
Mu’azu directed that cargo examinations be conducted strictly in accordance with extant procedures, documentation, and authorisation, and warned against unwarranted, repetitive checks that cause avoidable delays.
He charged officers to discharge their responsibilities promptly and professionally, without compromising compliance, revenue protection, or national security, in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.
Mu’azu said that officers intercepted 437 sachets of Cannabis Sativa weighing 392.5 kilogrammes in two containers, with a combined Duty Paid Value of N196.1 million during the period.
“We remain committed to consolidating revenue performance, strengthening enforcement and building stronger partnerships to improve efficiency of port operations,” Mu’azu said. #Apapa Customs Generates N302bn in One Month – Mu’azu# Nigeria Customs Begins Final Recruitment Screening of Candidates
