By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
A total of N3,050,100,912.28 has been generated by the Seme-Krake Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service from January to October of 2023, New Nigerian Newspapers has learnt.
With the amount, the command has so far surpassed its 2023 target.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller, Timi Bomodi, who made the disclosure, said most of the revenue were generated from baggage assessment goods and some from re- exported items which pay some percentage of duty for imports , that are re- exported from Nigeria.
He expressed hope that the command will double its revenue target for the year.
Speaking on taming smuggling activities during the yuletide season, Comptroller Bomodi said his officers have been put on alert to nib in the bud any attempt to smuggle items like rice, vegetable oil among other into the Country .
“We have several seizures and we are not relenting. Our officers are on red alert knowing full well that this season, smuggling activities will be on the increase, our officers have been fully briefed on what to do”.
On export trade, He said export activities is doing reasonable well at the Command, adding that he is encouraging all exporters to document their exports no matter how small it may be.
“We are urging all exporters through the border to document their exports no matter how small it may be, because this will provide adequate data and information about our export activities”.
On community relations, Bomodi said the Command is having a cordial relationship with the Communities as he has visited the Akran of Badagry and other traditional rulers within the bordering towns . And also in a good working relationship with his Beninouise counterpart in sharing information at anytime.
Asked if he will champion for a Customs School to be established at the border area , as the Comptroller General has promised to establish Customs Schools in some States and areas where the Service operates. Comptroller Bomodi said ” that is the prerogative of the Customs Management, if they deemed it fit to establish a School here it will be a good thing.
“Already we have an equipped and functional Customs Clinic which take cares of the communities. We also support some schools around here. We are planning to sponsor some competitions among the schools as a way of encouraging the students”.
As for the welfare and accommodation of officers, Bomodi said one of the priority of the Comptroller General is welfare of officers , as such some block of flats have been completed at the new Customs barrack at the border and officers have moved in, while work is nearly completion on the remaining ones. He also said renovation works have been carried out at the old barrack .
According to him when works are completed at the new barrack, it will be able to accommodate all the officers in the Command.
