The CAC of the KLT Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Timi Bomodi.
Story by Dili Utomi.
THE Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service with Comptroller Timi Bomodi as its head has recorded a truly impressive performance in its first quarter despite the strains imposed on the general economy by the various factors such as the complexities experienced in the course of the cash swap by the Federal Government.
In a press release by Comptroller Bomodi today he noted that “The Command is saddled with the responsibility of trade facilitation, revenue generation and the enforcement of fiscal policy with an anticipated revenue target of N55 Billion for the current year (2023)”.
The Customs Area Controller said that the Command has taken steps to invigorate its revenue drive by encouraging shipping companies and other critical stakeholders who had up to this period overlooked the command as a strategic destination of choice for incoming and outgoing cargoes.
In his first quarter as the CAC of the Command, the Command has collected a total of Ten Billion Five Hundred and Seventy Two Million, Five Hundred and Eighteen Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy One Naira (#I0,572,518,271.00) This amount represents 76.87% of its expected revenue for the quarter.
Comptroller Bomodi says “While we acknowledge the impact of monetary policy changes and the effect of exchange rates on business, the overall effect has been a downturn in import volume, hence the Command’s performance.
However, all hands are on deck to safeguard and protect all revenue accruable from import and export trade, to this effect Demand Notices to the tune of Sixty Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N68.5m) has been raised to shore up the shortfall in revenue”.
The KLT Command was formerly used as a transit hub for exports, but since the establishment of an export processing terminal, all export procedures have since commenced in the Command with an anticipated uptick in export volume.
Another achievement of the Command in the first quarter of 2023 includes the establishment of a clinic for the Command which was commissioned by the ACG Zone ‘A’ on behalf of the CGC which has significantly contributed to the well-being of Officers as all health-related challenges are given prompt attention before they are referred to other facilities.
Comptroller Bomodi noted that the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command has a strategic advantage over other ports in Lagos, its unique location allows for immediate entry and exit, unlike other ports where there is an average waiting time of seven days.
He though added that “Its major impediment is the draft which restricts the direct berth of sea-going vessels. This challenge has recently been overcome with the introduction of ocean-going lighter barges with the capacity of moving over 200 TEUs”.
Given its location the command allows for the easy evacuation of exports and empty containers, a challenge most shipping companies and terminals have difficulties overcoming.
KLTC has an installed capacity of handling about 6,000 TEUs, but presently it is functioning at less than 10% of its installed capacity and there is a lot of room for growth. With the commissioning of a few new terminals and the promise of increased cargo allocation, he said that they hopeful of a positive turnaround in activities both for imports and exports as the Command believes that as trade volume increases, so will the revenue profile.
For advert placement and more information, please call us on 08027590195, 08035721540 or email us at greatalternativenigltd@gmail.com or send us messages on twitter @dn_utomi or on instagram @utomidili.
