Customs Generates N89 Billion Revenue in First Quarter

Nigeria Customs Service has generated N89.695 billion in the first quarter of this year which fall short by N76.98 billion of government targeted revenue of N166.67 billion for the same period.
Dr. Mansur Muhtar, Minister of Finance, who met with top management and Area controllers of the NCS decried the dwindling revenue generation by the Service, directed them to intensify efforts on revenue collections and trade facilitation to cover the lost revenue in the first quarter, otherwise there would be an overhaul of the system.
He ordered the immediate implementation of corrective measures that will enhance revenue within the next few months or there will be a drastic overhaul of the system, adding that henceforth Area Controllers would be held accountable for assigned targets. 
Among other directives given by the minister included the immediate dismantling of all in-country roadblocks by the NCS under the umbrella of the CG Task Force, as such has become a nuisance to the Nigerian public who are subjected to avoidable hardship.  According to the minister, NCS roadblocks should be restricted to no more than 40kms from all border posts in line with the international conventions. Federal Operation Units are to conduct their duties according to laid down procedures.
He also ordered the immediate dissolution of the Joint Committee on Disposal of Overtime/Abandoned Goods/Cargos, and a review of the arrangement to ensure greater transparency, reduce revenue leakages through collusion and prevent pilferage while a new committee will be constituted and given a revised mandate.
He said the NCS should fully and immediately comply with a recent government circular regarding the treatment of period of study leave in relation to the circular of retirement period, adding that all officers affected by the circular who were due to retire should proceed on retirement, while promptly receiving their full entitlements.
“There are high expectations from the Nigerian public for better services to which the NCS must respond. There is a clear need for NCS to improve its image; a lot of work is needed and Government has demonstrated the political will to make amends, especially by appointing the Presidential Task Force on Customs Reform, but the Management of Customs must take the lead in making these changes happen,” he said.
Also speaking at the interactive meeting, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, chairman Presidential Task Force reassured the officers of the service of the determination of the Taskforce to ensure that the right thing is done no matter whose ox is gored.
He charged all Area Controllers to block revenue leakages in their commands and not shy away from taking decisive action against any economic saboteur. 
Dr. Bernard-Shaw Nwadialo, Comptroller General of Customs, lamented the staggering revelations of stakeholders at the recent public hearing of the House Committee on Customs that officers and men of the service are more inclined to go all out against those who want to circumvent fiscal policies of government.