In its quest to keep with its growing role as a critical trade hub amongst the maritime commands in Lagos, the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command (KLTC) of the Nigeria Customs Service recorded significant achievements in 2023 and is determined to deliver on its responsibilities to its stakeholders and the nation in the new year.
According to a press statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, SC Tunde Ayagbalo, the command under the watch of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Martina Tilley-Gyado, through dedication, innovation, and strategic partnerships overcame its operational challenges to generate a record-breaking fifty-three billion, four hundred and twenty-nine million, six hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and fifteen Naira(N53,429,615,615) in 2023.
This is an increase of N8,630,334,873 over 2022 revenue generation of N44,799,280,742. This also represents a 19% increase over revenue realized in 2022.
Despite not operating at full capacity, the Command is said to be fully dedicated to deliver on its 2024 target of N87.5 billion under the leadership of a cerebral Amazon.
The command also recorded another feat in transforming from a simple export transit hub to a bustling processing centre after the arrival of its Export Processing Terminal (EPT).
Since implementing standardized procedures, the innovation has seen to the export of 399 containers of agro products and solid mineral in 2023, marking a significant shift in its operations.
Furthermore, the command undertook several key activities that impacted positively on the revenue drive for the period under review. These include: *Processing and clearance of import and export shipments;, *Conducting risk assessment analysis to ensure compliance with trade regulations; *Engagement with critical stakeholders to enhance and facilitate legitimate trade and collaborating with other government and security agencies to enhance security.
Others are:
*Proper physical examination of containers;
* Boosting staff morale through upgrading the workspace environment; and
*Maintaining proper sanitation.
In the same vein, the command made a seizure of a 1 x 40ft container of expired drugs and supplements. The duty paid value of the seizure amounts to seven million, eight hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and fifty-seven Naira.
While not oblivious to the operational challenges faced in 2023, Comptroller Tilley-Gyado affirmed that the unwavering support and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Management team of the Service have been instrumental in achieving the feats. While expressing her gratitude for their support, she reaffirmed the commitment of officers and men of KLTC to continuously improve on the command’s mandate.
She also extended her gratitude to all esteemed stakeholders for their contributions to making 2023 a remarkable year and looked forward to a better 2024.
