The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Onne, Area 11 Command in Rivers, generated N313 billion, accounting for 93 per cent of its 2023 target.

Baba Imam, the command’s comptroller, announced this on Friday while commemorating World Customs Day at the command’s corporate office in Onne, Rivers.

Mr Baba said that as of December 31, 2023, out of its N336 billion target, the command realised N313 billion, representing more than a N71 billion increase over its 2022 revenue.

According to the comptroller, the year’s theme—customs engaging traditional and new partners with purpose—offered an opportunity for the agency to further educate stakeholders.

He also said the event provided a platform to educate partners on their various roles in enhancing the successful operations of the organisation.

“Customs cannot operate in isolation; hence, the theme for this year’s celebration stresses the need for interagency and interdepartmental collaboration in the successful delivery of the customs service,” the comptroller said.

He also assured of leveraging the policy-driven leadership of the country’s controller-general, Bashir Adeniyi.

Mr Baba said Mr Adeniyi was committed to ensuring the consistency of stakeholder engagements and the sustainability of such engagements.

He noted that such engagements had, over time, created a serene business environment devoid of rancour and erasing circumstances that could impede smooth global trade.

Since 1983, the International Customs Day celebration has been commemorated on January 26.

The significance of the celebration includes promoting awareness, recognising customs officials, enhancing cooperation, highlighting challenges/priorities and straightening trade facilitation by the customs organisation.

(NAN)