Aminu Dahiru, the Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zone B, Kaduna, said Thursday that about N14 billion was collected as internally generated revenue, from January to July 2017.
Dahiru told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna that the zone had taken measures to ensure that duties were paid on all goods coming to the country through the zone.
In his words, “Our zonal revenue target is N24 billion and so far, we have achieved 55.33 percent of the revenue figure,” the official said.
He said that already, Area Commanders had been directed to ensure all goods coming into the country paid customs duty.
“We will meet our target, as sensitive security measures have been put in place to ensure proper collection of funds,” Dahiru said.
He said that Area Commands had been adequately briefed on security measures to be adopted in preventing all kinds of smuggling business.
The customs officer described the zone as no go area for smugglers, as competent officers had been stationed on identified illegal routes of smugglers, to ensure their arrest and prosecution.
Dahiru also called on the media to assist in educating members of the public on the negative effect of smuggling on the nation’s economy.
“We need the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to shun smuggling and embrace export of local goods, as there is much to gain than smuggling in illegal items.”
