The Nigerian Senate is contemplating an adjustment to the Nigeria Customs Service’s (NCS) revenue target.
The current target of N5.079 billion for the second half of the year is under review, as revealed by Senator Isah Jibrin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, during a recent meeting with the Comptroller General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, and other top management officials.
Senator Jibrin underscored the importance of revenue-generating agencies stepping up their efforts to enhance the overall economic landscape. Addressing concerns about unemployment, he emphasized that while Customs plays a significant role as an employer, it is not the sole provider of jobs.
He acknowledged the need for Customs to manage its workforce responsibly, and hinted at potential pressure to surpass the current 1,600-employee benchmark.
Responding to queries from lawmakers, the CG of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the service is seeking government approval to grant waivers to owners of smuggled cars. The proposed initiative would allow individuals with illegally imported vehicles to regularize their Customs duties.
Adeniyi specified a three-month window for affected individuals to visit Customs House for assessment and payment of duties. He assured that the process would be extensively publicized to ensure those in possession of such vehicles could take advantage of the opportunity.