The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has set an ambitious revenue target of N1.13 trillion for the year 2024, marking a significant increase from the N716.53 billion collected in 2023.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, the Area Controller of Tin-Can Island Port Command, announced this target during a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday. He highlighted that the command’s 2023 performance was commendable, achieving 89% of the set target. As a result of their hard work, the Customs Management has allocated a 27% share of the national target for Tin-Can Island Port Command in 2024.
Nnadi outlined the breakdown of the new target, stating that it equates to a monthly goal of N94.23 billion, with a weekly target of N21.7 billion. This translates to a daily target of N4.23 billion, a formidable task that the Comptroller believes is achievable with the dedication of the officers and support from stakeholders.
During the press conference, Nnadi declared 2024 as the “Year of Stakeholders,” urging them not to be intimidated by the ambitious revenue goal. He emphasized the importance of correct declarations and compliance, calling for collaboration with the national trade facilitation committee to conduct a time release study in Tin-Can during February.
The comptroller outlined strategies to achieve the set target, including engagement with senior officers to cascade decisions to the entire command. Additionally, the Customs Service plans to embrace technological advancements in customs modernization and enhance the technical capacity of officers.
Highlighting the role of Nigeria as an import-dependent economy, Nnadi assured that revenue generation would align with trade facilitation efforts. He emphasized the need for swift clearance of goods at ports to prevent demurrage, noting a substantial 85% increase in export tonnage handled by the command in 2023.
As the Tin-Can Island Port Command gears up for the challenges of 2024, stakeholders and officers are encouraged to collaborate closely to ensure the realization of the set revenue target.