Revenue Mobilization: RMAFC tours Customs formations in Zone ‘C’
Dr Adekunle Wright with zone ‘C’ senior officer
* As Federal Commissioner, Dr Adekunle Wright lauds Customs on remarkable performance
(By Silas Onuoha)
In line with the policy of Federal Government on revenue collection for economic growth, the Revenue Mobilisation
And Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has embarked on working tour of Customs formations in Zone ‘C’
According to the
Federal Commissioner of RMAFC,
Dr Adekunle Wright, the exercise becomes imperative to carry out the Commission’s mandate of monitoring accrual and disbursement of revenue from the Federation Account to sub-national governments.
Speaking during the working visit, which commenced on Monday August 1, 2022 in FOU Zone C, Dr Adekunle Wright, praised officers of the Unit and the entire management of
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for what he described as remarkable performance in revenue collection for the Federal Government.
Dr Adekunle Wright, an Adjunct Associate Professor of Business Administration & Finance, drew particular attention to the Customs Area Controller of
Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, Compt I. A. Mohammed, for outstanding performance recorded by his Command.
Dr Adekunle Wright, who is also the Chairman, Customs Revenue Monitoring Committee (CRMC), commended Compt Mohammed for his resilience and hard work in carrying out his statutory responsibilities effectively.
His assertions
“The Commission wishes to appreciate the Service for its tremendous efforts and high performance in revenue generation to the Federation since the inception of this administration in spite of various challenges facing the country.”
“We enjoin you to keep up the good work. As you are aware, the Commission is responsible for monitoring accrual and disbursement from the Federation Account”.
The RMAFC Federal Commissioner explained :
“Section 6 (b) (iii) of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission Act, CAP R7 LFN 2004 empowers the Commission to request for and obtain relevant information, as well as data or returns from various Government Agencies, in order to achieve the objectives guiding its establishment.
“In line with the above mandates, the Commission constantly monitors revenue generating and collecting agencies, provides recommendations as appropriate.
“It is on this premise that the Commission visited Customs formations in Zone ‘C, office with a view to having interactions on ways of developing more cordial working relationship with the Command to further strengthen the nation’s socio-economic growth and fiscal stability.”
He went on :
“The Commission also monitors Customs revenue collection and remittance to the Federation Account. Our focus in this regard is to ensure that substantial revenues are made available for sharing by the three tiers of Government.
“As you may also be aware, the Commission has re-modelled its approach towards revenue generation by focusing on tariffs and taxation from Customs. One of such is our renewed emphasis regarding Excise Duties on approved goods and services.
“In this regard, I wish to inform you that members of this Committee had on various occasions visited Commands in Zone ‘A’ and obtained relevant information”.
During the visit,
Dr Adekunle Wright appreciated the harmonious relationship with the Service, even as he revealed plans by the Commission to tour Customs Commands in Zones ‘B’ and ‘D’ in the near future.
His words :
“An additional objective of this exercise is the need for members to be kept abreast with activities of the Service and also monitor revenue accruable to the Federation in these formations. This visit would also enable members to receive necessary briefs on NICIS – II database-collection mechanism.
“The Team would monitor activities leading to revenue generation at the sea ports, land borders, international and domestic airports (as applicable) where taxable goods are either received or exported and revenue accrues to the Federation Account from these activities.
“One of the major concerns of the nation now is to design faster ways of reviving other seaports in the country, especially, Warri, Calabar and Port Harcourt ports, in order to facilitate quick clearance of goods, create jobs, facilitate trade, attract investments and also decongest activities in Lagos Ports.
“Another major concern of Government is increased wave of insecurity, most especially at the border posts. It is pertinent to note that in spite of Government efforts to curb these unpleasant acts, the wave is on the increase thereby creating more difficult working environment for the citizens.
“Also, the exercise seeks to achieve the following objectives:
monitoring Customs revenue collection and remittance, as well as ascertaining compliance with established guidelines from 2016 to date.
To enable members receive briefing on activities of the Service in their area of jurisdiction and gain more understanding of Customs latest project upgrade, which is Nigeria integrated Customs Information Service NICIS – II.
“Also, there is need to access the seaports and border posts for economic activities, in order to enhance revenue accruals into the Federation Account; to identify operational constraints of the formations;
obtain information on the relationship between stakeholders and the Service, to
make appropriate recommendations where necessary.”
In the same vein, the Customs Area Controller (CAC),
Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, Compt I. A. Mohammed presented an impressive record on achievements made by the Command.
His score card :
“In 2020, the Command collected the sum of ₦60,299,049,783.12, while in 2021, we realised ₦81,313,484,983.60. Going by these figures, the Command recorded a surplus value of ₦21,014,435,200.48.
In the current year, 2022, the Command generated ₦44,202,835,277.48 from January to June.
“This feat was made despite low inflow of cargos into the Port.
This Command by structure comprises of NPA (Seaport), Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa, Bayelsa Out-Station, seven functional Bonded Terminals ,two Excise Factories, which include International Breweries PLC and Nigeria Bottling Company PLC.
“We are saddled with the responsibilities of coordinating all Customs Activities taking place in Port Harcourt and Bayelsa out stations.
” As a Service, we are mandated by law to among other things; collect revenue for Government, which includes Import/excise duties, taxes and Levies, while accounting for same.
Our objective is to implement government policies and promote economic prosperity of our nation.”
