The Nigerian Customs Service, Onne area command, says it generated over N220 billion in 2022 and targets over N360 billion in 2023. The command’s controller, Auwal Muhammad, disclosed this during an engagement with the Business and Maritime Writers Association of Nigeria (BUMWAN) on Wednesday in Onne, Rivers.

“Next year may be more challenging because if you set a high record for yourself, it’s expected that you maintain that standard and also improve on your records,” stated Mr Muhammad. “So, with our achievements so far this year, we know that next year is not going to be easy, but we are proactive and ready to do better.”

The controller added that the command would further re-strategise, and “within any of the month next year, we will be aspiring for as much as over N30 billion revenue.”

Mr Muhammad also reaffirmed zero tolerance for corruption and smuggling while charging officers to be more effective in line with the aims of the management and the extant laws.

Attributing the command’s success to a robust synergy with stakeholders, he noted that the symbiotic relationship proved beneficial and added value to revenue generation.

“We engage quarterly with the licensed agents, importers and our terminal operators. We brainstorm and also make them understand the rudiments of seamless ports operations and proper declaration of consignments, and this regular interface has helped us a lot,” Mr Muhammad explained.

(NAN)