” I warmly welcome you to this epoch ceremony, which is dedicated to the celebration of customs services and administrations across the globe.
“As directed by our headquarters,today’s International Customs Day is being celebrated at various commands, and we are happy to have you honoring our invitation to be here.
This year’s theme, which is “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity,” is not only apt and timely but also relevant to our national economic growth and sustenance.
“The WCO objectives for this year’s celebration thrust on
Streamlining processes: Using technology to reduce clearance times
Analyzing data: Using trade data to identify bottlenecks and predict trends
Minimizing delays: Ensuring seamless clearance processes to prevent unnecessary hold-ups
This theme is trade focused, as you all may have observed, Apapa Command has kept the tempo of trade facilitation alive .
“Apapa command has not been found wanting or lacking in delivery on any of these areas with prospects for improvement..
“Our processes and procedures have been organised to address trade issues, including fast dispute resolution. Stakeholders are not unaware of our renewed commitment to non intrusive inspection, which prioritises the use of technology like a scanner for cargo examination while adopting risk management strategies for prevention and mitigation of the effects of infractions.
“We have evolved a system of data generation, collation, and application for the purpose of evaluation and planning. Our year by year comparative revenue figures, number of processed SGDs over periods of time, seizure reports showing compliance and defiance have all proven to be credible yardstick for measurement of successes and identification of challenges with a view to attaining excellence
“You are not unaware of the time release study, fast track ,AEO and other deliberate programmes by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR to quicken the cargo clearance process within customs control without compromising national security.
“These programs have yielded great results, including revenue increase, time saving for business, reduction in infractions, and increase in compliance, which all aligns with the spirit and letter of today’s celebration.
On the progress made so far, last year, this command achieved a total collection of ₦2.3tr, doubling the ₦1.1tr collected in 2023. In the face of reduced volume of trade, we ensured good use of technology with prospects of improving to continually deliver more efficiently.
“We believe that delay in the cargo clearance process has a negative chain effect on the economy as it affects government revenue, private sector income, slowing down trade and capable of eroding the trading community confidence in our operation.
“Let me use this opportunity to once again remind us that compliance gives a win-win result across board. It saves time, it prevents revenue loss to government and job loss to the private sector, it helps in building integrity rating of traders and results in better outcome during profiling of port users.
I want to warmly thank our compliant stakeholders and urge them to keep up the good work as we all make progress together towards building a more prosperous Nigeria.
“Happy International Customs Day. Thank you, and God bless”.