The Seme Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it had successfully facilitated exports valued at N8.29 billion within a span of two months through the Seme border post in 2023.
According to an official statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Hussein Abdullahi, it was confirmed that the command not only met its target, but exceeded it and generating a remarkable N3.05 billion, surpassing the set goal by N1.08 billion.
The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, while addressing journalists at the border post on Tuesday disclosed that it facilitated the export of a substantial 41,867.88 Metric Tons, involving 1048 trucks carrying export products with a Free On Board (FOB) value of N8.29 billion.
Bomodi highlighted that the Command facilitated the export of 41,867.88 Metric Tons, distributed across One Thousand Forty-Eight Trucks, totaling an Free On Board (FOB) value of N8,299,767,340.57. Payments received included N41,504,608.45 from the Nigeria Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) and a surcharge of N40,531,580.00 during this period.
Additionally, notable interceptions between September and October comprised of 1,756 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) equivalent to about 52,680 liters or approximately 2 petroleum tankers, alongside 3,805 units of 50kg rice bags, among other seizures.
The revenue collection by the Command at the close of October 2023 stood at N3,050,100,912.28, surpassing the 2023 fiscal target of N1,966,000,000 by a remarkable N1,084,100,912.28, translating to a 55.1% increase.
Bomodi emphasized efforts to combat smuggling, highlighting strengthened collaborations with sister security agencies. He pledged support for compliant traders and host communities along the corridor, mindful of the readjustment following the border’s recent reopening after an extended closure.
Expressing gratitude to the NCS Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi MFR and the management team for unwavering support, Bomodi credited the Command’s successes to strategic leadership and the collaborative efforts of officers and stakeholders in eliminating revenue loopholes.
In his words: “The initial revenue target for the Command in 2023 stood at N1.96 billion. However, as of the end of October 2023, our revenue collection reached N3.05 billion, significantly surpassing the targeted amount by N1.084 billion, marking an impressive 55.1% increase.”
“The Command continues to sustain tempo in harnessing all revenue components to achieve desired goals. The target for the Command for the year 2023 is N1.96 billion. As of the end of October 2023, the Command has collected N3.05 billion. The revenue figure collected exceeded the allotted target of N1.96 billion by N1.084 billion, which represents a 55.1% increase.”
“The successes recorded could be attributed to strategies adopted by the leadership of the Command to checkmate revenue loopholes, in partnership with our stakeholders to ensure compliance.” Bomodi noted.
