Nigeria Customs Service Bolsters Excise Revenue Through Stakeholder Engagement
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Lagos Industrial Area Command has significantly ramped up its initiatives to enhance excise revenue collection and foster greater compliance among industry stakeholders. This renewed focus stems from a comprehensive program of familiarisation and sensitisation, designed to forge stronger partnerships and streamline revenue processes.
This strategic engagement, which commenced last month and is scheduled to conclude in December, was initiated following the assumption of office by the newly appointed Customs Area Controller (CAC) for the command, Adebola Salawu. Since taking up her post in September, the CAC has been at the forefront of these efforts.
The primary objective of these outreach programmes, as articulated in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Juliana Tomo, is to “strengthen collaboration with excise-paying stakeholders and improve the command’s overall revenue performance.”
During these crucial meetings, the CAC meticulously reviewed the existing revenue payment processes employed by stakeholders. A central theme of these discussions was the imperative for timely and accurate remittance of excise duties, strictly adhering to all prevailing regulations.
“I reaffirm my commitment to contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic advancement, and I regard this effort as a patriotic responsibility,” stated Salawu, underscoring the national significance of their collaborative endeavors. She stressed that a culture of transparency and unwavering compliance within industry operations is paramount. Salawu emphasised that practical cooperation between the NCS and private sector players is not merely beneficial but absolutely critical for achieving sustainable and robust revenue growth for the nation.
A key recommendation from the CAC was the full adoption and utilisation of the Unified Customs Management System, widely recognised as the “B’Odogwu” platform. This advanced system is specifically designed to facilitate real-time excise duty payments, offering a more efficient and transparent mechanism for businesses.
“The B’Odogwu platform is designed to ensure seamless, transparent and efficient excise duty payments,” Salawu cautioned. She further elaborated on the consequences of non-compliance, noting that payment delays can attract significant penalties under the NCS Act 2023. These penalties include a substantial 10 per cent surcharge on late excise duty payments, alongside additional sanctions for various trade violations. This clear communication aims to mitigate risks for businesses and ensure a predictable regulatory environment.
Beyond revenue collection, the CAC also highlighted several key trade facilitation initiatives spearheaded by the NCS. These measures are specifically designed to promote ease of doing business within Nigeria and to further solidify the vital partnerships between the government and the private sector.
Key Trade Facilitation Initiatives:
- Export Facilitation Processes: Streamlined procedures to encourage and support Nigerian businesses in expanding their export activities.
- One-Stop-Shop Initiative: Centralised service points designed to reduce the time and complexity involved in customs clearance and related trade procedures.
- Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Programme: A voluntary programme that rewards compliant and secure supply chain partners with specific customs benefits.
- Advance Ruling System: Provides businesses with certainty on customs matters before transactions occur, reducing uncertainty and potential disputes.
- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Opportunities: Initiatives to help Nigerian businesses leverage the vast market potential and trade opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.
These comprehensive efforts by the Lagos Industrial Area Command, under the leadership of CAC Adebola Salawu, demonstrate a proactive approach to revenue enhancement and a commitment to supporting the growth and compliance of the industrial sector in Nigeria.
