House Committee complains border closure, insecurity stall revenue generation in Customs Zone B

The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has identified insecurity and border closure as the major factors stalling revenue generation across Customs Zone B.

The Chairman of the committee, Rep. Leke Abejide, ina media interaction in Kaduna during a two-day oversight visit to assess the zone’s operations, revenue performance, and capital projects, stated “this is the third zone we are visiting after Zones A and C. Unlike the other zones, Zone B is grappling with serious security challenges and multiple border closures, which are affecting their ability to generate revenue.”

According to him, most of the commands in Zone B including Katsina, Sokoto/Zamfara, and Kebbi are border-based, and with many approved borders closed, revenue collection has dropped significantly.

“Only Kano and Kaduna Commands are performing excellently. Other commands are below expectations, not due to inefficiency but largely due to circumstances beyond their control,” he decried.

Abejide said the committee was working on a motion to be presented on the House’s floor that would involve Customs, Defence, Army, Police, and Interior committees.

The aim was to find a holistic solution to the border closures and security concerns to boost Customs revenue.

He also hinted at possible restructuring, saying, “If some commands remain ineffective even after interventions, they may be merged.”

According to him, there is no point in retaining underperforming commands if they add to expenditure without corresponding results.”

The lawmaker urged Customs officers to remain committed and resilient, saying, “they must not take their duties lightly.

“We are doing our part to support them, and it’s only fair they reciprocate through improved performance.”

He assured that the committee would compile its findings and ensure that challenges identified are addressed through budgetary provisions and strategic support.

Earlier, the Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone B, ACG Adekunle Oloyede, who received the committee on arrival in Kaduna, lauded its visit, describing it as a reflection of its commitment to repositioning the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The committee also visited the customs mando project site to access the progress done on the project

All the commands under the zone made presentations at the command headquarters, Kabala-Doki in Kaduna upon the arrival of the committee on their revenue generation, anti-smuggling activities, capital projects, and abandoned projects.

The committee also demanded presentations on specific challenges facing each command.

Many, including Katsina, Sokoto/Zamfara, and Kebbi, cited insecurity and border closures as reasons for shortfalls in their revenue targets.

Kwara and FCT Commands also recorded drops in revenue compared to previous years,

While Niger command, without any revenue generation, raise further concern over operational bottlenecks across the zone. (NAN)