Bashar Yusuf, CAC, Tin Can

The Nigeria Customs Service Tincan Island Port Apapa Lagos, have collected a total of Two hundred and Thirty-Seven billion, Two hundred and Sixty-Five million, Five hundred and Thirty-Eight thousand, Five hundred and Sixty-Seven Naira, Eighty-Eight kobo (N237,265,538,567.88) between January and October 2017. This figure is against the sum of Two hundred and Seven billion, Nine hundred and Thirty Four million, Seven hundred and Four thousand, Nine hundred and Six Naira, Twenty Three kobo (N207,934,704,906.23) in the corresponding period of 2016.

The Controller Tin can Island Port Comptroller Bashar Yusuf, while speaking on the giant strides of the Command, emphasized that the Command has been repositioned for greater efficiency.

In his words “You will recall that the Command alone have recorded three different seizures of cache of arms and have recently seized two containers load of suspected controlled drugs (Tramadol) falsely declared as used vehicle and computer accessories”.

The Controller declared that seizures were made through high profile intelligence using ICT as a major tool.

“Our new strategic focus has strengthen not only statutory responsibility of Revenue Generation but also safety of lives by decimating the tendency of unscrupulous importers who bring in unwholesome drugs, particularly Tramadol which consumption would naturally have a consequential effect on our large population of youth, thereby ultimately affecting their educational pursuits and socio-economic wellbeing amongst other negative effects”.

On his plans for the ember months, the Controller re-assured that no stone would be left unturned in his efforts to ensure a sustained increase in Revenue Generation and facilitation of legitimate trade.

In the same vein, he expressed appreciation for the support of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) and his Management. He promised to double his efforts at this time of the year when business activities are expected to be on the increase.

Bashar Yusuf also thanked  the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd.) and his managements for the promotion of five officers in Tin Can Port found worthy in the recent arms seizures, noting that it will naturally spur others to greater efficiency.

“It is instructive to note that the Nigeria Customs Service is putting measures in place to curb the influx of arms which is why the Service recently unveiled plans to introduce the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programme, a platform that will enhance the streamlining of cargo clearance”.

He stated that AEO is a programme introduced by the World Customs Organization to facilitate trade with security situation associated with the Import and Export businesses across international borders.

The Controller reiterated his position on compliant declarations. He assured that support would be given to such category of traders by way of expeditious access to cargo clearance in line with global best practices.

According to the CAC “We will continue to re-jig and re-strategize to ensure that we remain on top of our statutory functions with a view to ensuring that the confidence reposed on us by the CGC and the Customs Management is not taken for granted”. Bashar stated.