The Lilypond Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Ijora, Lagos collected N2.37 billion in May, compared with the N2.2 billion that was collected by the command in April.
Controller of the command; Ms Tallatu Isa, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen last Friday in Lagos.
Isa attributed the 6.81 per cent revenue increase to the collective efforts of clearing agents, the customs, terminal operators and shipping companies.
The Lilypond Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Ijora, Lagos collected N2.37 billion in May, compared with the N2.2 billion that was collected by the command in April.
Controller of the command; Ms Tallatu Isa, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen last Friday in Lagos.
Isa attributed the 6.81 per cent revenue increase to the collective efforts of clearing agents, the customs, terminal operators and shipping companies.
“The increase is not through the effort of a single person. We have always overshot our revenue target because of the cooperation understanding and peace that exist in the area.”
She said that the integration of Pre-arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) has enhanced the speedy clearance of cargoes at the dry port.
“I know that we no longer have problem with PAAR like it was initially. I believe we have gradually overcome our challenges,’’ she stated.
The area comptroller said that the command would inaugurate a committee to look into problems relating to cargo clearance as directed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Abdullahi Dikko.
Isa said that some agents were given provisional window for the release of their goods during the challenging period of PAAR.
“It is necessary for such clearing agents to perfect their declaration to avoid problems with the customs.
“It is unfair, please if you enjoyed the privileged come and perfect the papers otherwise we will write a reminder after which we will take an action you will not like,’’ Isa warned.
She advised clearing agents to contact customs helpdesk to solve their problems.
“If you as an agent declare correctly, it will help to facilitate trade. But if there is false declaration and we suspect that you have something to hide, your cargo will be delayed.
“Some agents bring their document and form `M’ will be missing, the PAAR will not be there and they will say they forgot. All these cause unnecessary delays in cargo clearance,’’ the area comptroller said.
She advised agents to go to cyber cafés to trigger their document rather than wasting time to queue at the customs office with incomplete document.
Also speaking, a terminal operator and Managing Director of the Lily Pond Terminal, Mr Tristram Denyer, advised truck drivers to wait for directives from their agents to avoid crowding the ports.
“We do not want people loitering around the terminal without jacket. Once a driver loads a truck, he should move out immediately.’’
He said that the management of the terminal would soon install close circuit television to monitor movement and daily activities at the terminal.
In his contribution, Mr Mike Anosike, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, in charge of the terminal security, said they would soon commence screening of luggage and people entering the terminal.
Anosike said that the method would boost security at the terminal.
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