South East Customs see 50% revenue rise in 2024

The Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a record-breaking revenue collection of N50.8 billion in 2024, representing a 50 percent increase compared to the N27.9 billion recorded in 2023.

Comfort Ukpanah, the Customs Area Controller, attributed the achievement to a strategic alignment with the Comptroller-General’s policy guidelines of “Consultation, innovation, and consolidation.”

“This outstanding breakthrough was achieved through deliberate and concerted efforts,” she said, highlighting the command’s “all-inclusive methodology” in fostering trust among stakeholders to enhance compliance with trade guidelines.

The command implemented a template for monitoring stakeholder compliance while ensuring that officers adhered to operational protocols. According to Ukpanah, this initiative helped to identify and address revenue leakages, particularly in excise factories and parcel post functions.

“Through intelligence sharing and collaboration, we identified excise factories previously not under control and subjected them to round-the-clock surveillance to ensure appropriate duties were collected,” she said.

Parcel post activities also received renewed focus, with the command intensifying efforts to ensure proper monitoring and revenue collection.

Despite the economic challenges of 2024, Ukpanah credited the resilience and commitment of her officers for the command’s success. She noted that every identified area of revenue leakage was promptly addressed, ensuring all collectable revenue was secured.

“The period under review came with its fair share of challenges, but our officers’ dedication ensured we remained focused on achieving our goals,” Ukpanah added.

The command prioritised strengthening relationships with other security and regulatory agencies as well as traditional institutions. These collaborations, coupled with intelligence sharing, were instrumental in achieving the revenue milestone.

Ukpanah also expressed appreciation for compliant traders and warned non-compliant operators to adhere to extant trade guidelines or face the full weight of the law.

Looking ahead, the Comptroller has set eyes on exceeding the revenue target for 2025, particularly in light of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s N49.74 trillion national budget.

“We will implement fresh operational strategies to ensure we surpass our targets. The competence and capacity of our officers give me confidence in our ability to deliver,” she said.

The Comptroller also recognised the contribution of the media in supporting the command’s activities. “The role of the media in nation-building is vital, and your professionalism has been crucial to our success,” she noted.