The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Area Command, has announced a commendable achievement in revenue generation, surpassing the 2023 fiscal year target despite challenges posed by banditry and border closure with Niger Republic.
Controller of the Command, Mr. Mohammed Umar, revealed the accomplishment during the decoration ceremony of 30 newly promoted officers in Katsina on Friday. The generated revenue stood at over N1.132 billion, constituting 87.8% of the N1.304 billion target set for the command.
Mr. Umar highlighted the commitment of the command to ensuring compliance with directives on border closure by enforcing strict measures. Despite the challenges, the command successfully intercepted 369 contraband items, including used vehicles, tyres, second-hand clothing, vegetable oil, and foreign parboiled rice.
In addition to revenue generation, the Controller emphasized the significant progress made in fostering collaboration with other security agencies for intelligence gathering and enhancing operations within and beyond the border corridors.
The command’s harmonious relationships with the state government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and border communities were also acknowledged. Mr. Umar expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Wale Adeniyi, the management team, officers, and men of the command for their support in achieving this feat.
While decorating the newly promoted officers, Umar urged them to rededicate themselves to their duties, emphasizing the constitutional mandate of revenue generation, legitimate trade facilitation, and the suppression of smuggling. He reminded them of the importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism, respecting their uniforms, and upholding the integrity of the service.
