The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is confident of achieving its revenue target of N3.6 trillion for the year 2023, with less than two weeks remaining in the calendar year. The assurance was given by the Comptroller General, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, during the flag-off and handover ceremony of houses to beneficiaries at the Coop Pacesetter Estate constructed for Customs Officers in Oyo/Osun Area Command, held in Ibadan.
Mr. Adeniyi emphasized the substantial increase in the service’s average monthly collection in the second half of the year, expressing commitment to minimizing deviations from the target. He highlighted the importance of aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure the NCS delivers on its mandate.
During the ceremony, the Comptroller General handed over keys to the new houses, underscoring the significance of prioritizing the welfare of Customs Officers. He stated, “It is part of our efforts to prioritize the welfare of our Officers. We are focusing on mental, physical, and overall welfare and well-being of our Officers to ensure optimum performance.”
To address accommodation challenges faced by officers, Mr. Adeniyi announced the construction of 5,000 housing units in strategic locations, including Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan, Giri, Masala, and Port-Harcourt. This initiative aims to provide stability, allowing officers to invest in their families and futures while serving the nation effectively.
The Comptroller General emphasized the importance of boosting the morale of Customs Officers nationwide and outlined various welfare programs, including recognition and awards for exceptional performance. These initiatives are designed to foster loyalty, motivation, and sustained productivity among the workforce.
In response to the challenges posed by the fuel subsidy, Mr. Adeniyi revealed that he had signed a document authorizing the payment of a N35,000 award to all NCS officers, starting from September of the current year. This move is intended to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal on the officers.