Ekekezie: Zone ‘A’ Customs Command Rakes in N5.5bn Daily

Eromosele Abiodun

The Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG) in charge of Zone A, Mrs K. C. Ekekezie has disclosed that her command now generates N5.5 billion on daily basis from duties and taxes.

She made this known during a courtesy call on the headquarters of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos.

The Customs boss attributed the huge collection to increased compliance by freight forwarders as well as efforts of officers and men of the Service.

Specifically, she stated, “The role that freight forwarders play in release of goods are them part of every government trade policy formulation. Ease of doing business policy started at Apapa Port March this year is working. The customs have deployed Internet Technology (IT) to meet the policy target. Today, there is higher compliance with customs regulations in declarations; we make N5.5 billion every day because people are beginning to comply.

“Customs earnings are part of what is used in paying the security agencies too. The compliance level we have seen recently. Customs made under the new regime N1 trillion. Before now, it was not up to that. Proper documentation and correct declarations we will achieve higher goals together with you.

“To consolidate on the good work to achieve this, we must adhere to all extent regulations as provided by the government. And this will not be a problem when we put mechanism on place. This will lead improved national economic system. We must avoid cutting corners and encourage integrity in all levels of the business. “

Speaking further, Ekekezie maintained that there was a new regime of discipline in the Service which has led to torrent of officers being sacked in recent time.

She added, “In Nigeria Customs today, several officers are finding their ways out each time we go for management meetings. Officers are being de-ranked or dismissed.”

Reacting to complaints from freight forwarders, she stated that artificial delay in cargo clearance from the port would no longer be condoned by the service.

She, therefore, called on freight forwarders whose cargoes are unnecessarily delayed to report such to the zone for immediate action.

Ekekezie, however, expressed displeasure about the number of transaction alerts at Tin Can Command particularly, which the agents complained was delaying clearance of goods.

She therefore directed that the number of alerts be reduced from nine to facilitate trade and ensure smooth clearance of cargo.