By Udeme Clement
Seme Area Command of  Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has realised N994.8million revenue for the Federal Government in October 2016, despite the new trade policy introduced by Republic of Benin, on movement of goods from the ports to their Bonded Terminals before being transferred to the park. The Command also recorded 68 seizures with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N35. 3million.

The Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Dimka Victor, made this known, stressing that the amount generated in October this year exceeded what was realised the same period in 2015, with over N60.8million.

“Malfunctioning of Electrical Control Cabinet and the Electricity Generating Plant of the Scanning Machine, which lasted for five days, the new policy introduced by Republic of Benin on movement of goods from the ports to their Bonded Terminals before being transferred to the park, prevailing high exchange rate and the bad nature of the road diversion from Republic of Benin contributed in slowing down economic activities at the border. The challenges also hampered smooth collection of revenue in the month of October, “ he said.

Dimka attributed the improved revenue generation of the Command to cooperation of stakeholders. He said, “Despite the difficult times and policy changes, the stakeholders still comply and cooperate with the Command in doing legitimate business in line with government policies and the Service books of instructions. I stand fulfilled as major stakeholders in the Command are complying with the change policies and are adhering to standard operational procedures in the border Command. It is only through compliance to guidelines and procedures that infractions are avoided and the Service core mandate is realised.

If the Command must be different as a change agent, we must be ready to face criticism and public condemnation among many unpatriotic Nigerians. But no amount of criticism, campaign of calumny and unprofessional publications will stop the Command from working strictly with government’s policy to enhance economic growth and development.”