Seme Customs projects N5bn Revenue By December

... Records N4.4bn Revenue in November

Kathy Kyari

Since Comptroller Timi Bomodi took over the command, revenue generation at the Nigerian Customs Service's (NCS) Seme Border Command has increased.

Before Bomodi took charge, the command earned N1.9 billion between January and September 18, 2023. Nevertheless, the command that reported to him by November 2023 recorded almost N4.4 billion.

He stated at a recent press conference that the command will keep up the pace of the revenue push initiated by Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, with the goal of producing more than N5 billion by the end of December 2023.

Bomodi revealed that the command's export earnings at that time were more about N8 billion. He went on to say that recording cross-border operations is essential for company expansion, encouraging data-driven choices, and drawing in companies looking to import certain goods through Seme.

”When I assumed office on September 18, the command had collected about N1.9bn which was in excess of what was expected. The command had reached its target for the year by September 18. But I am glad to report that by the end of November, the command would have collected about N4.4bn, in addition to that which is about N2.1bn against September and November. Hopefully, by the end of the year we will be doing over N5 billion".

Comptroller Bomodi is highly hopeful that the command will eventually record between N11 billion and N12 billion yearly, noting that Seme has the capacity to generate well over N25 to N30 billion with commerce being encouraged in the command.

He mentioned that since CGC Adeniyi joined the team, the service has undergone several strategy evaluations, producing hitherto unheard-of outcomes in a short period of time. Human relations is not exempt from this trend, either.

Simplified automated procedures, in the controller's opinion, will improve trade facilitation by facilitating easier duty payments and inspections.