By: Joy Enamuna

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) for Nigeria Customs Service, Enugu/Anambra/Ebonyi Command, Comptroller Comfort Ukpanah, has expressed confidence that the service will meet its 2025 revenue target.

In a recent update on the command’s performance, Ukpanah shared the impressive achievements of 2024, where the command raised its revenue collection to an unprecedented level of ₦50,847,625,597.08 (Fifty billion, Eight hundred and forty-seven million, Six hundred and twenty-five thousand, five hundred and ninety-seven naira and eight kobo). This marks a more than 50% increase compared to the ₦27,954,707,493.00 (Twenty-seven billion, nine hundred and fifty-four million, seven hundred and seven thousand, four hundred and ninety-three naira) collected in 2023—a milestone never before achieved since the command’s inception.

According to the CAC, the remarkable revenue growth was driven by a deliberate and coordinated effort aligned with the three core policy guidelines of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi: Consultation, Innovation, and Consolidation.

“We worked diligently to create an inclusive approach in our operations with stakeholders,” Ukpanah explained. “This collaboration earned us the trust of our esteemed partners, who adhered strictly to trade guidelines. We also ensured 24-hour surveillance on factory activities to guarantee proper excise duties were collected. We fully understood the risks of neglecting parcel posts, and our efforts were rejigged to address this.”

Ukpanah acknowledged that the period under review was not without challenges, particularly due to the global economic recession. However, the resilience and commitment of the command’s officers were crucial in blocking revenue leakages and ensuring that all collectible revenue was accounted for.

“The command is fully aware of its obligations in realizing the revenue targets set for the Nigeria Customs Service,” she stated. “The service plays a vital role in the nation’s overall revenue projections.”

In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 budget projection of ₦49.74 trillion, Ukpanah assured that the command is committed to repositioning itself and formulating fresh operational strategies to meet and surpass the revenue target for the new year.

“We have the competence and capacity to achieve this goal,” she affirmed.

Ukpanah also credited the support of sister agencies, acknowledging their critical role in the command’s success. “The exceptional support from various security and regulatory agencies, coupled with effective intelligence sharing, has been key to our achievements.”

In another highlight, the command recently welcomed Mrs. Kikelomo Adewale Adeniyi, the National Chairperson of the Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA), who, along with her executive members, visited the command to inspect and commission several completed COWA projects. Notably, the ultra-modern clinic now serves not only the health needs of officers but also the local community.

While expressing gratitude to CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for his unwavering support, Ukpanah commended his leadership and that of the Customs Management for providing the resources necessary to meet the command’s mandate.

Ukpanah concluded with a call to action: “I assure the CGC that this command will remain a strong link in the value chain, assisting him in meeting the expectations of Nigerians and Mr. President.”

She also used the opportunity to urge all trade operators to adhere to regulations, emphasizing that non-compliance would result in legal consequences. “We appreciate the support of compliant traders, and I advise any operator contemplating non-compliance to reconsider or face the full force of the law,” she warned.

The CAC concluded by recognizing the media’s role and extending gratitude to the officers and men of the command for their continued dedication to service.