Insecurity affecting revenue generation – Customs

The Nigeria Customs Service has reported that insecurity is negatively impacting its revenue generation. Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs and Zonal Coordinator, Zone B, Kaduna, Nsikak Patrick Umoh, revealed this on Wednesday during a visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command Headquarters in Minna, Niger, where she met with vehicle importers to discuss operational challenges faced by the command.

Umoh highlighted that the security situation has affected multiple Customs commands, particularly in the North-West region, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara States, all of which fall under her jurisdiction. She emphasized that the security challenges are not confined to the Niger/Kogi Area Command. According to Umoh, this security crisis has resulted in several Customs officers being killed, injured, or forced to limit their operations due to fear for their safety.

The situation has led to a decline in revenue collections in some commands, as officers resort to more cautious approaches to mitigate risks. Umoh explained that while the command is actively encouraging officers to utilize an intelligence-based operating system to improve their work, this has contributed to reduced revenue collections across various commands. Despite these challenges, the Niger/Kogi Area Command has managed to surpass its monthly target of N17 million, generating over N200 million as of August 12.