The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has revealed during the inauguration of committee members in Abuja on Tuesday that the South West area contributes significantly to the revenue earned by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Rep. Leke Abejide, chairman of the committee, explained that the NCS, as a large institution with various commands, is divided into Zones A, B, and C.
Abejide emphasized that the South West region, falling into Zone A, stands out as the primary source of revenue for the NCS. This zone comprises Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, and Ogun. Notably, Lagos, with the highest seaport among the six, plays a pivotal role in revenue generation.
He further delineated the zones, indicating that Zone B includes Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and the North West, while Zone C encompasses Rivers and the South East. Abejide stressed the importance of conducting oversight in these areas, especially in approving their budgets. The committee aims to critically scrutinize the budgetary allocations to ensure transparency and efficiency.
Reflecting on the committee’s efforts in the ninth assembly, Abejide assured that the Committee on Customs and Excise would continue its pursuit of excellence. Their focus includes enhancing trade facilitation policies, modernizing customs procedures, and fostering a conducive environment for economic growth.
Abejide highlighted the positive changes brought about by the new Act governing the NCS, particularly the increased revenue through a new financing model of four percent FOB. This financial adjustment enables the NCS to operate more effectively and efficiently. The Act also introduces a robust e-commerce system, aligning the NCS with global digital trends for rapid revenue generation and improved ease of doing business.
Additionally, the Act establishes a clear leadership structure for the Nigeria Customs Service, marking a significant milestone. The committee outlined seven key areas of focus, including oversight of the NCS’s implementation of the new Act, revenue collection and remittance, cost of collection, export processing zones, training institutions, customs and excise laws, and budget estimates.
