NEWS
NCS Hits N3.21trn In 2023, Eyes N5.08trn In 2024
In a briefing to the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise, Comptroller General Bashir Adeniyi disclosed that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully generated a total of N3.21 trillion in revenue for the year 2023.
Despite facing challenges that led to falling short of the targeted N3.67 trillion, Adeniyi expressed confidence as he outlined the service’s ambitious goal to diligently contribute N5.08 trillion to the nation’s revenue in 2024.
He said, “In 2023, the revenue target for the service was N3.67trn and remarkably, the service collected a total revenue of N3.21trn from January to December 2023.
“When we compare what we collected in 2023 to what was projected as our targets, there was a negative variance of N462.9 bn, which represents 12.62 per cent of what was approved as revenue targets.
“Though we didn’t achieve what we projected, but we want to say with all sense of modesty that we did our best. And when we consider all factors, we will appreciate the fact that we at NCS did the best we could.”
Adeniyi cited several factors, including the import of goods under the common external tariff, import duty exemption certificates, uncertainties, and anxieties as key contributors to the NCS falling short of its 2023 revenue target.
“One of the factors was the huge import of goods under Chapter 99 of the common external tariff, which resulted in a revenue loss of over N2trn. When we compare this to the total revenue that we had, that was a whopping 63.35 per cent of our total revenue collection.
“Also, revenue due to import duty exemption certificates and other statutory provisions for the year (2023) was also in the region of N1.8 trn which was about 58.52 per cent of the total revenue generated. Cargo through-put dropped from 17.2 per cent to 15 2 per cent during the year.
“For 2024 fiscal year, this target stands at 5.079 trillion and this consists of 3.423 trn in federation accounts, N554.35 bn for non-federation accounts, and N1.101 trn for import Value Added Tax,” he added, noting that “When we compare what was targeted in 2023 and 2024, this year’s target is higher by N1.41 trn or approximately 27.75 per cent over the 2023 budget,” he added.
The NCS boss outlined crucial assumptions to aid the service in achieving its 2024 financial targets. He emphasized the importance of timely roll-out of the 2024 fiscal policy measures and highlighted the pursuit of the national single window project for enhanced process harmonization and standardization.
The approval for the inauguration of the steering committee by Mr. President signals progress in this pursuit, with expectations that the committee will be inaugurated in the coming days.
Adeniyi highlighted the significance of the Vehicle Registration System and the Vehicle Identification Number valuation application as the third driver to combat undervaluation and vehicle tax evasion, aiming to enhance revenue collection for the NCS.
Additionally, he informed the committee about the NCS’s proposed budget expenditure of N706.43 billion in the 2024 fiscal year.
Adeniyi detailed the funding plan, indicating that N623.83 billion is expected from the 4% Free On Board, N22.02 billion from a 2% VAT share for NCS, and N60.58 billion from funds rolled over from ongoing capital projects, totaling the proposed budget.
Committee Chairman Leke Abejide assured the NCS of the lawmakers’ commitment to support its efforts in achieving the national revenue target.
He urged the NCS boss to prioritize the implementation of e-customs and integrate Artificial Intelligence in managing the nation’s border stations for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
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It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
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Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
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