By BON PETERS

The Nigeria Customs Service Onne, Area 11 Command says it has so far generated the sum 301 billion Naira representing 90 per cent of its revenue target for the year 2023.

The Command's Area Controller, Comptroller Baba Imam disclosed this to journalists Tuesday in Onne, Rivers state during an end of year Recognition/Award of Excellence presentation to officers, consignees and stakeholders.

The recognition according to Imam, “is initiated to boost the morale of officers and other stakeholders who have positively contributed to the revenue growth and achievements of the Command”.

The Comptroller also stated that the event became necessary to enable the command to reflect on its successes and achievements in the past months and to also identify gaps so as to initiate mechanisms that would enhance business in 2024.

His words: "Our revenue target for the year is about N336b and as at today, we have been able to secure N301b representing about 90 per cent of our target,” the Comptroller said.

On Anti-Smuggling, the Comptroller insisted that the command had taken steps that would continue to serve as a deterrent to offenders of import laws by ensuring that there was conformity to import guidelines.

He also revealed that about 39 containers which made up the total number of seizures have been recorded within the period under review.

On trade Facilitation, Imam added that the Command was committed and resolute to facilitate trade even as he applauded the robust synergy between customs and other sister government agencies at the ports insisting that every stakeholder was given the opportunity to thrive.

He however, stressed the importance of training and re-training of officers and consignees which he insisted was a major boost to the year’s achievements.

He noted: ”We have brought our officers to speed so as to meet targets. We have also trained our officers in different aspects of the job to enable them to perform optimally.”

On the seized items, Imam emphasized, “Notably, amongst the nature of imported items which contravened import guidelines were, 2^nd hand clothing, used tyres, concealment of hard drugs, pistols arms and ammunition among others which negate import and export guidelines which were subsequently handed over to relevant authorities.”

Imam while praising the officers and men of his Command, for achieving the great feat, in Revenue generation especially in the 2^nd quarter of 2023, where he said the Command made over N38 billion which he described as first of its kind, noted that such feat would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of the Comptroller General of Customs, Comptroller Alhaji Bashir Wale Adeniyi (MFR) and his management team even as he solicited for more support and encouragement.

The occasion whichh was used to honour officers and men of the Command who distinguished themselves in their various departments with awards of excellence also witnessed the recognition of other stakeholders including members of ANLCA, NAGAFF, Terminal operators, others sister government agencies, such as Dss, operators of Customs Bonded terminals, support staff among others.

Speaking on behalf of ANLCA, the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Onne Seaport Chapter, Mr. Mike Ebeatu commended the Comptroller for providing enabling business environment through consistent synergy and sensitisation of consignees and other stakeholders at the ports.

He said Comptroller Imam’s open-door policy should be praised and enjoined him to continue in that manner.

He also commended the Comptroller for promoting serenity and providing conference and training Centres even as he also commended him for uplifting the entire command within the short time he assumed office.

He added that the Command would not have achieved much without the cooperation of the agents. He then admonished that agents should maintain the robust synergy with the Command.

In his vote of thanks, DC Administration, DC, Ojike Iheanacho Ernest, thanked all that graced the occasion. He pointed out that even with the economic situation in the country, the Command was still meeting target which he attributed to God’s favour, promising that the year 2024, would be better.

Highlights of the event were award presentation and cutting of cake.

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