From Diana Okon-Effiong, CalabarThe Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Calabar and Tinapa Free Trade Zone Area of the Nigeria Customs Service generated a revenue of N6.06 billion (N6.061,012,737.98) in 2015.
The Acting Area Controller, Ahmed Hardawa, gave the figure in Calabar while briefing journalists on the activities of his command during the out gone year.
He said the amount generated for the year in focus was a shortfall of its revenue target of N7.7 billion (N7,790.473,245) for the year.
“The command was given a revenue target of N7.790.473,245 but we collected N6.061,061,012,737.98 for the year. This represents a deficit of 22.2 per cent.”
He said that the value of goods seized stood at N4,535,497 while total duty paid was N14,535,714.64 during the period. He said that low patronage of the Calabar Port was responsible for the shortfall in revenue target for 2015.
According to him bigger ships carrying cargoes did not patronise the port because of low level of water and poor road ne work linking the neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom, Abia and Rivers.
Hardawa said some of the challenges in his command included shortage of personnel and patrol vehicles for effective discharge of duties. He also said that with his introduction of stakeholders’ forum with traders, incidences of smuggling of goods across the borders had been reduced to the barest minimum.
He said his command had been partnering with the Police and other agencies for peace and harmonious coexistence in the commands.
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