Customs Generates N89.2 Billion in Apapa
 4th DEC 2006

The Apapa Area 1 Customs Command has generated N89.92 billion as revenue in the first 10 months of 2006, the Controller, Mr. Rasheed Taiwo, has said.

Speaking at the ongoing 2006 Comptroller General's Conference in Ota, Ogun State, Taiwo explained that the amount was in contrast to N79.21 billion realised in the corresponding period in 2005.

He added that the command's revenue had greatly improved since the commencement of destination inspection.

Taiwo, in a paper, "Nigeria Destination Inspection scheme: "Practical Experience of Implementation at Apapa Area 1 Command,'' noted that initial revenue was low following the confusion that heralded the scheme which started on January 1, 2006.

The customs chief said with destination inspection, it takes less number of hours to do business at the Customs Processing Centre (CPC) and the terminals and that "diplomatic cargoes and fast-track consignments are cleared from the port in 24 hours."

"Beyond scanning, the issue of electronic data transfer for information as well as risk assessment reports are now achieved between Customs and COTECNA through electronic means,'' he said.

According to Taiwo, "this is a departure from the days of pre-shipment inspection when such information was transferred manually.

"There is an appreciable reduction in terms of human contact between the officers and agents as people are restricted to the areas designated for agents to submit their documents,'' Taiwo said.

He added that the introduction of destination inspection had blocked all loopholes through which revenue leaked.

While explaining that basic computer training and computer appreciation had been made compulsory for all officers of the command, he advocated that such training be extended to agents and other port users.

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