PH Customs Generates N89.574 Billion

The Area 1 Command of Port Harcourt Customs has generated over N89.574 billion for the nation. Speaking during the handover ceremony to the new Area 1 Command of the Port Harcourt Custom the outgoing comptroller of Area 1, Chedi Wada said that despite the challenges in the maritime sector, the leadership of the command under his administration was able to generate the huge amount.
According to him, under my administration, the command had fared considerably well in the area of Revenue generation. Despite some daunting challenges in the maritime sector. From January to 21st October 2023, the command had been able to generate and collect a total sum of N89,574 billion.
The outgoing Comptroller explained that though they had the lowest influx of container cargoes in Area 1 they were still able to achieve some significant milesstone tones.
“When compared to the corresponding period of 2022, which stood at N72.463 billion, had a significant difference of N10.858 billion. The difference in this figure represents a 13.8 percent increase in the revenue figure.”
He went further, “During the period under review, the command had experienced its lowest influx of container cargoes into the port, however, the import duties collected from Bulk Cargoes had contributed to the build of revenue collected in the command. Besides, significant milestones were achieved in the month of March, which stood at N11.675 billion, and August which stood at N11.834 as against N8.310 billion and N9.677 billion collected in the previous year. In terms of additional value through interventions, the command generated over N1.762 billion in the period under review. This interventions were derived from Demand Notices issued to importers with infractions on their importations.
Comptroller Wada explained that under his administration the leadership of Area 1 command paid a working visit to some Government Security Agencies, in Bayelsa State, with a view to fostering a better working relationship.
“Under my administration as the Comptroller of Area 1 Customs we embarked on a working tour to our Bayelsa and Ahoada outstations to appraise the customs activities in those areas. The visit to Bayelsa State also afforded us the opportunities to pay a working visit to the heads of other (sister) government security agencies. The purpose of this visit was to seek further collaboration and synergy with them with a view to fostering a better working relationship and to achieve national interest in line with the extant guidelines or law.”
He stated that his administration would not have accomplished and achieved all these without the input and contribution of relevant stakeholders, stressing on the need for synergy and the right leadership.
“My special appreciation goes to the stakeholders operating in Area 1 Port , particularly the Port Manager Heads of government agencies. The leadership of ANALCA and NAGAFF AND MANY OTHERS. These feat could not have been achieved without painstakingly engaging with critical stakeholders through several forms of sensitization programmes and other forms of training, particularly on issues of non-conformity with statutory clearance procedures. And the feedback we got can be attributed to some of our successes. In fact, your support and encouragement throughout my stay in this port are immeasurable,” Compt Wada lauded.
In his response, the incoming of Comptroller of Area 1, Mustapha Hashim said that under his command discipline would be his top priority.
“Under my administration, I expect to see a highly discipline command. We should be men of integrity and honesty in Area 1 Customs.”
Hashim state that having served in Area 1 about two years ago, he would take the Area 1 Customs to a greater height, soliciting for support and co-operation.
“As the new Comptroller, we will take Area 1 Customs to a greater height. Therefore, I need you to co-operate with me. In fact, please I want you to give me your maximum co-operation. I want to assure you that it shall be well with all of us.”
Hashim described the stakeholders of Area 1 command as very co-operative and accommodating.
He commended the stakeholders in Area 1 Command for their understanding and warm reception, noting that he is happy to be with them again.
Some customs agents and stakeholders who spoke with National Point expressed optimism that the new Area 1 Custom Comptroller will do well, taking into account his wealth of experience.