Shipping Manifest

JAN - JUN, 2012: Apapa Customs records 14% shortfall in revenue target

The premier area command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Apapa Area One Command recorded a 14 percent shortfall in its revenue generation between January and June, this year.

The command Customs Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Timinadi Bomodi, explained in a statement that the command generated a total of N139.151 billion, as against N162 billion, going by its N27 billion monthly revenue target, indicating a 14 percent shortfall.

However, comparing the command’s revenue performance with the same period in 2011, Bomodi said that the 2012 figures show a 33 percent improvement over the performance of 2011.

"The monthly target set for the Command is N27 billion, and its performance in the second quarter was able to match this expectation. In April the command collected, N 19.7 billion, in May N24.6 billion and in June the Command set a new record for the highest revenue ever collected by a Command in a single month, by collecting N36.7 billion. The total revenue collected for this quarter is N81.28 billion, and the average revenue collected is N27 billion, giving hope that the target set is still achievable. The total revenue collected between January and June 2012 is N 139.151 billion," Bomodi said.

He added that one of the reasons while the command was unable to meet its first half of the year revenue target was as a result of the nationwide strike in January this year.

"The first quarter of 2012 started on a shaky note, as general strikes took its toll on activities in the ports. This accounted for over 7 billion naira loss of revenue, attributable to the strikes alone. Other factors that affected the down turn in commercial activity are factors that traditionally influence business operations in the country at the beginning of each New Year.

"However, the position of the Command as articulated by the Area Comptroller, Adamu Yusuf Garko has been one of resolute optimism backed up with diligent and conscientious service. The Area Controller who although admitted the challenge as difficult reassured Management that it was achievable, despite the dismal performance of the first quarter, in which the Command was able to collect 57.9 billion naira out of a possible 81 billion naira, the outlook in the second quarter looks more promising," Bomodi said.

He added that the command is, however, hopeful of meeting the annual revenue target given to it by the Customs Headquarters for this year.