The newly established Ibeto Seaport and Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has generated ₦4.24 billion revenue within just two months of commencing operations.
Its pioneer Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Usenat Abubakar disclosed this while addressing a press conference at the command headquarters.
She said the first Single Goods Declaration (SGD) was captured on July 3rd, marking the start of commercial operations at the seaport.
Abubakar noted: “The command generated ₦1.37 billion in July and ₦1.95 billion in August, representing a 42.5 percent increase month-on-month.
“Between September 1 and 12, the command raked in ₦859.8 million, bringing total collections from July 3 to September 12 to ₦4.24 billion, including ₦57.8 million raised through Demand Notes.
“This remarkable growth in such a short time underscores the huge potential of Ibeto Command and the commitment of all stakeholders,” Abubakar said.
She acknowledged that setting up the command came with challenges, including establishing offices and systems from scratch, managing overlaps with Area I Command, and addressing infrastructure and welfare gaps.
Abubakar credited the turnaround to the policy thrust of Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, which emphasises collaboration, consolidation, and innovation.
She commended Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of the Ibeto Group, for providing accommodation and welfare support for officers during the take-off phase, as well as freight forwarders, stakeholders, and sister agencies for promoting compliance and facilitating trade.