Customs exceeds target as revenue hits N3.43 billion in two months

By ABUBAKAR YUNUSA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a surge in total tax revenue collection of ₦343 billion over the past two months (July and August), which is higher than the average monthly collection of ₦202 billion in the first half of the year that concluded in June.
The Acting Controller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this at a press conference to mark his first 100 days in office in Abuja yesterday. He stated that this outstanding growth amounts to a remarkable 70.13% increase in revenue collection.
According to him, “We have witnessed a substantial increase, with an average monthly collection of ₦202 billion in the first half of the year that concluded in June, surging to an impressive ₦343 billion in the past two months (July and August).
“I’m delighted to announce that we’ve consistently exceeded the monthly target collection of ₦307 billion, marking a remarkable departure from previous performances.”
He continued, “The ongoing Revenue Recovery review activities have contributed an additional ₦8 billion during this period, underlining our commitment to revenue generation. Subject to unforeseen circumstances, our aim is to sustain and even expand this momentum until the end of the year.
“This commitment is driven by our resolve to minimize deviations from the target, especially in light of the substantial shortfalls recorded during the first half of the year.”
While speaking on the ongoing battle against smuggling, he mentioned that the NCS has achieved impressive results over the past eight months.
“With a total of 1,763 seizures, valuing a substantial ₦11.9 billion in Duty Paid Value, we have successfully intercepted various contraband items, including arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, substandard pharmaceuticals, and other prohibited goods that pose grave risks to our citizens.
“These seizures, accompanied by the apprehension of 62 suspects undergoing legal procedures, underscore our commitment to tackling smuggling and safeguarding our communities.
“Notably, there has been a significant surge in impactful seizures, especially involving arms, ammunition, and drugs, in the past two months, reinforcing our resolve to combat these illegal activities.”