Customs targets N1.2t revenue

[TheNation]

  Abdullahi   The Nigerian Customs Service has set a target of N1.2trillion revenue for the 2012 fiscal year.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had on Monday in Abuja put the collectible revenue estimate for the 2012 budget at N9.692 trillion.  

Other major sources of revenue include the N3.561trillion from oil at the benchmark of $72 per barrel.

The 2012 budget has an aggregate expenditure of N4.697 trillion. This however excludes the N180 billion appropriated for programmes and projects encapsulated under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment-Programme, (SURE-P).

The 2012 budget consists of capital expenditure of N1.34 trillion and recurrent expenditure of N3.357 trillion.

Speaking on the set target, the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi noted that the organization aimed at surpassing the N800 billion target given to it, saying that they will add additional N400 billion to the target.

On the issue of the porous borders, he assured that the organization is better equipped as it has acquired two helicopters to monitor the borders.

He also noted that the recent presidential approval for the purchase of 400 units of Toyota Hilux vans and the importation of about 5,000 AK 47 rifles will also enhance the performance of the customs.

He disclosed that the NCS was focusing on manpower development to meet modern day task of effectively policing the Nigeria borders and assured that the organization was fully prepared to tackle smugglers.



TheNation