Agency decries low economic activities at Seme border

The Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday said it generated N474.1million as revenue for the month of March.

The revenue figure was disclosed in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Selechang Taupyen, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry, Lagos State.

“Economic activities at the nation’s busiest corridor, are at their lowest ebb, and this development has affected the revenue drive of the command."

“A visit was carried out to the ever busy Atlas Park located at the border and broken down and empty trucks were seen and custom agents lamented that the rising benchmark by the NCS to 150 per cent had discouraged importers."

“The customs agents also noted that the current economic recession had affected activities at the border."

“These and other factors contributed to the low revenue generated in the month of March, but we are certain that the situation would improve and we would be able to meet the monthly target of N1.1 billion,’’ it said.

The statement said 62 seizures were made during the period under review, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N25.7million.

It noted that the Area Controller, Mr Mohammed Aliyu, urged all units at the points of entry and exit to ensure the facilitation of legitimate trade.