Nigeria Customs Service Area 1 Command Hits Record-Breaking Revenue in 2024

 By Lod Onyeji 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area 1 Command in Port Harcourt has achieved a remarkable milestone, collecting over ₦200 billion in revenue in 2024. This feat represents a significant increase of 72.41% compared to the ₦116 billion collected in 2023.

According to Comptroller Mustapha Hashim, the Customs Area Controller, the command's strategic focus on enforcement operations and ensuring compliance with customs regulations have been instrumental in driving revenue growth. The command's efforts to improve monitoring systems, increase patrols, and enhance collaboration with other enforcement agencies have also played a critical role in curbing smuggling activities and boosting revenue.

The command's revenue breakdown for 2024 shows a notable increase, with ₦184 billion collected in the first quarter and an estimated monthly collection of ₦15 billion. This figure was later reviewed upwards to ₦230 billion, with a monthly expected collection of ₦19 billion for the remaining quarters.

Despite achieving remarkable revenue growth, the command fell short of its annual revenue target by 13.04%, largely due to the Federal Government's food import waiver policy introduced in July 2024.

In the area of export activities, the command has made significant strides in boosting revenue from agricultural products, with a total quantity of 17 million metric tons exported in 2024. The command's contribution to national revenue has also increased, with the total NESS paid in Naira standing at ₦2.9 billion for both oil and non-oil exports.

As the command looks to 2025, Comptroller Hashim has pledged to redouble efforts to achieve even greater revenue growth, anti-smuggling, and trade facilitation. With a focused approach, dedication, and continued support from partners and stakeholders, the command is confident of deploying all necessary tools to ensure seamless clearance operations.