Despite the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) raked in N1.562 trillion in 2020, against the target of N1.380 trillion.
The generated revenue also surpassed the N1.342 trillion which was recorded in 2019.
NCS Public Relations Officer, Deputy-Controller Joseph Attah disclosed this in a statement made available on Wednesday.
He further stated that the partial border closure which forced cargoes that could have been smuggled through the porous borders to come through the sea and airports raised revenue collection from ports.
READ ALSO: Border Closure: We did it to Protect our Economy…. NCS.
Part of the statement reads: “Before the commencement of the border drill on 20th August 2019, revenue generation was between N4 billion to N5 billion but now NCS generate between N5 billion to N9 billion daily.
“Diplomatic engagements that took place during the partial land border closure yielded many positive results, including commitment to comply with the ECOWAS Protocol on Transit. Operationalization of joint border patrols at both sides of the border.
“The teams are required to share intelligence and ensure prevention of transit of prohibited goods into the neighbor’s territory.”
Atta said that the NCS would strictly implement the outcome of the diplomatic engagements as the land borders open for movement of cargoes.
He added that intelligence gathered during the period and the introduction of the e-Customs whose components include installation of scanners at all entry points would enhance border security and boost national trade facilitation.
The NSC noted that its effort to prevent the entry of items that could compromise security, economy and the wellbeing of citizens resulted in the seizures of 4,304 assorted items with a duty paid value of N28,287,285,847.52.
According to him, “These seizures include arms, ammunitions, illicit drugs, used clothing, vegetable oil, frozen poultry and foreign rice among others that have grave consequences on economy security and well being of Nigerians.”
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