The Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), said on Thursday it collected N185.7 billion revenue from January to July 2015.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, Mr. Chris Osunkwo, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He described the sum collected as a remarkable improvement over the N162.3 billion collected in the corresponding period of January to July 2014.

“Last year in Tin-can Island Port command, we made N162.3 billion between January and July.

“This year, so far we have had N185.7 billion within the same period of January to July 2015.

“If you look at it, it’s approximately N20 billion difference and that is a remarkable improvement, intensifying effort and quality leadership.

“Above all, we do not believe that the volume of cargo translates to collectable revenue. No! But rather the quality of cargo - the value.

“Looking at that and taking it from there, you can agree with me that officers improved on their performance because they have been more dedicated.

“From the available cargo, we do not need the whole of Europe or U.S. or Asian market to relocate to Nigeria before we can get maximum revenue for government.

“So from the available cargo, the job is done procedurally and the way most appropriately it should be done.

“From there, the accruable revenue to government is realised and accounted for.”

He explained that the improvement in the amount of revenue collected was the result of the dedication and commitment of officers of the command.

The command’s spokesman said that the volume of imported new and used vehicles dropped sharply because of the new policy on automobiles importation.

Osunkwo said that the command also made remarkable collection from the massive influx of general cargo.

He explained that seizures dropped, an indication that the level of traders’ compliance to import regulations had improved.

Osunkwo said that officers of the command were on the alert and ready to impound smuggled poultry products in line with its operation, ‘Hawk Descend.’

He spoke of the need for terminal operators to provide adequate equipment to facilitate cargo examination at the port.

“This issue of minimum equipment and machinery to conduct examination is still hampering seamless operations; still we have devised strategies to surmount that.

“That notwithstanding, the other day, my Area Controller called the terminal operators for a meeting and read the riot act; that look, all of them must be up and doing.

“They must live up to expectation. They must get the equipment that are very, very necessary.

“Because of that, I think most of them are working round the clock to ensure that they improve on the available equipment and machinery for customs operations.”

Osunkwo said that the command seized 11 containers between February and June, adding that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seized goods was N460.1 million.

He said that the seized goods included bags of used clothes, used tyres, vegetable oil, cartoons of fruit juice, cartoons of red wine, and furniture.

He applauded importers’ and exporters’ level of compliance with the regulations guiding their businesses, saying that it had massively reduced the time of doing business. (NAN)

•Photo shows Containers at Port

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