Customs Identifies Hindrance To Revenue Drive At Lagos Airport

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has identified failure of  the terminal operators to facilitate trade  as a major hindrance to its revenue drive.
The Controller of the Command, Comptroller Tajudeen Olanrewaju, told the newsmen in Lagos, recently  that the terminal operators had also been hindering national security.
“Is also important to note that the revenue from sales of petroleum products is dwindling.
“ This makes it compulsory for Nigerian government to source for revenue in other areas particularly revenue accruable from airports which is substantial.
“The Nigeria Customs Service is accountable for this revenue.
“In the face of national threat regarding terrorism, the Murtala Muhammed Airport command, cannot fold our hands to allow this threat to national security.
“ We are going to stand up to our responsibilities and we are ready to shed the last (drop of our) blood to protect these two functions – national security and revenue to government.
While we facilitate trade, continued lapse by the terminal operators in these areas can no longer be tolerated.
“That is why the terminals were closed and the warehouses within cargo sections at the Murtala Muhammed command were shut down.
“So that the terminal management can address those issues that threaten national security and  hinder revenue accruable to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

L-R: Deputy President, PHCCIMA, Dr. Renny Cookey, Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, President, PHCIMMA, Engr. Emeka Unachukw, former PHCCIMA President and President of FOSSGMA, Prince Billy Harry, during a PHCCIMA event in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson