In recognition of its dogged efforts and unrelenting commitment to revenue generation for national development, the  Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has been honoured and urged to up the ante as it strives to enforce/implement fiscal policies of the Federal Government.

At public lecture convened by the League of Maritime Editors in Lagos, maritime stakeholders and captains of industry mince no words as they unanimously extolled officers and men of the Service in their drive to shore up revenue for the Federal Government as it struggles to meet national obligations and commitments under very challenging economic circumstance.

Specifically, the Zonal coordinator Zone “A” Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, ACG Charles Eporwei Edike was honoured by the League of Maritime Editors with “The Best Administrative Drive in Revenue Generation”.

While thanking the Editors for the honour, Edike dedicated the Award to all officers and men of the Service in Zone “A”.

Representative of the DG NIMASA presenting the Award to the ACG while Mr. Ovie Edomi looks on. Behind, Mr. Mazi Ohakwe and Dr. Boniface Aniebonam of NAGAFF.

In his words “I thank the Editors for this honour. However, I am dedicating this award to all officers and men of the Service, especially in Zone “A” for their efforts. Truly I say to you that without them, what we are being honoured for could not have been possible”.

He therefore urged all Customs officers working in Zone “A” to continue the good work they are doing and go the extra mile that will transform them into becoming extra ordinary officers of the Service.

The ACG used the occasion to clarify some operational issues affecting Customs officers, importers and Agents in the ports:

Speaking on Fiscal Policies, Edike said Customs mandate is to enforce and implement them as directed by the federal government. He urged port users not to shy away from channeling their complaints and or observations to the Area Controllers, ACG or the CGC. Edike said keeping quiet does not help the system but if complaints are made, action will be taken to make the ports more attractive and conducive for business.

PAAR and Queries

PAAR was introduced to save time and cost of doing business in the ports. Notwithstanding, importers and Agents contravene PAAR by being dishonest in their declarations. We shall therefore continue to issue queries if we discover any difference in Description, Quantity and Value between what is declared and what is found on examination.

Documentation

Proper documentation of trade documents will fast track cargo clearing, save time and prevent importers from incurring demurrage in the ports. Agents must be diligent and thorough with their documents. It is in our collective interests if they imbibe such attitude and avoid using the window when the door is wide open.

Compliance

Trade Facilitation is hinged on compliance with and adherence to laid down rules and regulations. The benefits of being compliant are immense and sweet. It saves time, reduces cost and improves revenue to all concerned in such transactions.

 Discipline

The Nigeria Customs is known for discipline. Recent disciplinary actions are indications that the CGC will not tolerate any act of indiscipline. Any officer caught cutting corners, aiding/abetting any unprofessional conduct will be severely dealt with. Those who are hardworking and committed will be recognized and rewarded accordingly. Importer should report any officer who delays work/documents unnecessarily to the CACs and if nothing is done, let me know.

The ACG Zone “A” expressed confidence that the present economic situation the country has found itself will become history if everybody do what is expected of them within the ports and other sectors of the economy.

It would be recalled that ACG Edike prior to his promotion, served as Customs Area Controller, CAC at PTML, MM, TIN Can and Apapa Area Commands of the Nigeria Customs Service.

A total sum of N0.945 trillion was what he generated as revenue from the commands. This feat and other personal qualities are what earned him his promotion.

As Coordinator Zone “A” he is saddled with coordinating Customs operations in the Zone from which over 70% of all Customs revenue is realized annually.