- Says Task of Making Remaining 48% Revenue for 3 Months of 2023 Is Possible
By Shola Fadeyi
The new Area Controller, of the Tin Can Command of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) , Comptroller Dera Nnadi, has promised to sustain the fight against importation of illicit and unapproved drugs , even as he commended his predecessor , Comptroller Olakunle Oloyede and officers who worked with him, for their recent seizure of two containers of tramadol.
Nnadi , who said this , while delivering his maiden speech at Tin Can Command, in Lagos confirmed that the 2023 revenue target for the Command is over 801 billion Naira , while 52 per cent, of the amount has been collected so far, pointing out that , with barely three months to the end of this year, it means the remaining 48 per cent revenue has to be collected.
According to him, coming at a time, the floating exchange rate is affecting importers and exporters, the collection of the remaining 48 per cent , of the revenue target is a big task , but stated that , it is a feat that is achievable.
He stated that the Customs roles in securing the nation are vast, ranging from interventions against economic sabotuers who distort and take advantage of the nation’s trade policy, as well as those that import illicit goods that contribute to the insecurity in the country.
Nnadi disclosed that , just two days ago, the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin signed an agreement to develop frameworks for clearing of Nigeria bound goods in Benin Ports and vice varsa, adding that the development is a call for the improvement of business processes and increase efficiency in service delivery, in order to be competitive with other ports in the sub-region.
Consequently, he requested for the cooperation of shipping companies, terminal operators and other government agencies in his efforts and those of other officers , towards ensuring the actualization of the rebranding of the Command.
He also requested that officers should respect the Customs various mandates, adding that those concerned with regulatory functions should stay away from interference in revenue related transactions, except it is in their mandate to do so. According to him, this will improve service delivery in the Tin Can Port.
The new Tin Can Command CAC, stated that the outgoing CAC made reference to “operating an open door policy”, adding that , he will surely open his doors for seamless trade, but said that he will also close the door against unwholesome activities that will compromise the Service mandates.
He promised that in his resolve to achieve the goals of the Command, he will not dwell on the usual blame of others for the various challenges, be-devilling the maritime industry, saying no one person is responsible for the rot, but everyone should be ready to offer a solution.
According to him , the dynamism of the industry requires that, we join forces as stakeholders to provide solutions to our individual and collective needs, adding that the next phase of the assignment starts with his taking over of the affairs of the Command, as he will lead from the front.
Nnadi thanked the stakeholders for welcoming him back to Tin can Island Port Command as he assumes duty as the 20th Area Controller since the inception of the Command in 1977, saying that it was his pleasure to be in their midst to continue the reforms of the maritime industry from both his personal perspective and that of the Nigeria Customs Service.
