Customs Set to Meet N3.6tn Revenue Target in 2023, Says Comptroller General

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Less than two weeks to the end of 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has assured Nigerians that it would meet its revenue target of N3.6 trillion for the year.

The Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, who gave the assurance in Ibadan, during the flag-off and hand -over of houses to beneficiaries of Coop Pacesetter Estate built for Customs Officers in Oyo/ Osun Area Command, said the service has continued to witness substantial increase in its average monthly collection in the second half of the year.

According to him, the commitment to meet the target was driven by the resolve to minimise the deviation from the target, especially in the light of the substantial shortfalls recorded during the year’s first half, stating that the service has resolved to key in into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu to deliver on its mandate.

The Customs boss who maintained that boosting the morale of Customs Officers across the country was his priority, said the NCS has instituted an array of welfare programmes initiatives such as the housing project, recognition and awards to celebrate exceptional performance, dedication and achievements.

He noted that these would serve as catalyst to boost loyalty, motivation and sustained productivity among the workforce.

Adeniyi, then announced the provision of 5,000 housing units for officers across the country to address the challenge they face while looking for accommodation.

He disclosed that in order to cushion the harmful effects of the fuel subsidy removal, he had signed a document for the payment of N35,000 award to all officers of the NCS starting from September this year.

He said, “It is a great pleasure for me to hand over the keys of these houses to the members of the Cooperative. It is to ensure the overall welfare of the Officers.

“It is part of our efforts to prioritise the welfare of our Officers. We are focusing on mental, physical and overall welfare and wellbeing of our Officers to ensure optimum performance.

“We have institutionalised array of welfare packages to boast morale of Officers across the country. We are empowering our Officers to involve in community activities and community services so as to foster harmonious relationship between the Customs and the public.

“In our efforts to address the problem faced by officers while looking for accommodation, we have decided to build 5,000 housing units in Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan, Giri, Masala and Port-Harcourt. This in turn will provide a foundation of stability for our officers, allowing them to invest in their families and futures and ultimately serve our nation even more effectively.”