As frontline investigative journalist, ‘Fisayo Soyombo continues an unrelenting undercover work to expose corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the top revenue generating agency has announced that it made a record breaking haul in the first quarter of 2024. According to the Comptroller General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, the NCS raked in revenue collection totalling N1,347,675,608,972.75. This figure, it was stated represents a significant surge from the previous year.
During the first quarter performance briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, Adeniyi highlighted the growth in revenue collection, which saw a 95.60% increase in January 2024 alone, reaching N390,824,148,326.55 a substantial rise from the N199,809,974,327.52 recorded in January 2023. The momentum continued into February, with an extraordinary 138.68% growth in revenue.
The CG pointed out that due to the NCS’s proactive measures against smuggling the first quarter of 2024, saw the service recording a total of 572 seizures, encompassing various items valued at N10,593,099,654.50 in Duty Paid Value (DPV).
The Comptroller General also emphasized the NCS’s unwavering focus on trade facilitation, asserting that despite facing inherent challenges, the service has made significant strides in streamlining processes, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing efficiency at ports to facilitate seamless trade transactions.
Acknowledging the tireless dedication of the NCS personnel, Adeniyi commended the officers and men for their pivotal role in maintaining a consistent and upward trajectory. “NCS officers have played a key role in driving the implementation of initiatives, as evidenced by our performance across the three core statutory responsibilities set by the government,” he affirmed.
In response to the evolving challenges, he said the NCS has been actively integrating advanced technologies, including geospatial technology, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence tools and techniques. Adeniyi elaborated on this strategic move, “This initiative will establish a command and control centre to comprehensively monitor activities along our borders.”
However, The Explainer learnt that the top hierarchy of the NCS was silent about the bombshell allegations of monumental corruption, including smuggling made against them by Soyombo. The frontline investigative journalist has for weeks been putting out information obtained through undercover work about how top customs officers have been involved in smuggling and other sharp practices for their personal enrichment.Â
