15 hours Ago By Andrew Utulu
The Lagos Free Trade Zones (LFTZ) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), last week was full of activities. The Command, apart from announcing a huge N341 billion revenue achievement, commissioned school classrooms it renovated as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ibeju Lekki. The activities were capped with the hosting of the end of the year ceremony.
The Area Controller of Lagos Free Trade Zones (LFTZ) Command of NCS, Comptroller Olarenwaju Olumoh, had earlier announced that as at December 18, 2024, the command had generated a revenue of N341 billion which surpassed N74 billion that was generated in 2023. He made this known at the command’s end of the year ceremony in Lagos on December 19, 2024. He noted that at the beginning of the year 2024, the command had a revolutionary plan to surpass last year’s target and that had been achieved with the efforts of officers of the command and stakeholders.
While recounting the achievements of the command, Olumoh stated that the service had solved the issue of accommodation for its officers as approval for the acquisition of six units duplexes had been received. Comptroller Olumoh, seized the opportunity to thank stakeholders and sister agencies for their commitment. He reaffirmed that the command does not generate revenue only, but is also in the business of preventing illicit items from coming into the country.
“As at the beginning of 2024, the Lagos Free Trade Zone Command had a revolutionary plan for the year and to the glory of God, as at yesterday, the 18th of December, the command met the year’s target and generated a revenue of N341 billion surpassing last year’s revenue of N74 billion. “Beyond generation of revenue and preventing illicit items from entering the country, there is the need to make the command attractive for investors and we have created an enabling conducive environment for investors to come. ”The issue of accommodation shall no longer be a challenge for our officers in the command.
All thanks to the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; for graciously approving the acquisition of six units of duplexes. That has significantly reduced the burden of accommodation. “It is with my conviction and prayer that steps are already being taken by the agency and management for the command to have its own permanent structure.
” The Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Excise, Free Trade Zone & Industrial Incentives, DCG B.U. Nwafor , who represented the CGC, said in a goodwill message, that Comptroller Olarenwaju olumoh is someone who had not compromised in generating revenue and in ensuring that the welfare of officers attached to the command is prioritised as he had generated mind blowing revenues that she never knew was possible.
She described the zone as a country within a country as it is a designated trade area. “LFTZ is like a country within a country. Don’t think that Free Trade Zone is free, it’s just a designated area that is cut out to push economic growth with benefits.
“Please take advantage of it.With the level of compliance and revenue generation in the zone last year, 70% of the revenue was generated from the free zone.” In the spirit of port Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Lagos Free Trade Zones (LFTZ) ,commissioned three blocks of classrooms, which it renovated for the Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Ibeju Lekki.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented by Deputy Comptroller General of Excise Free Trade Zones, Industrial and Incentives, B. U Nwafor, said that the Commissioning of the project underscored the Nigeria Customs Service commitment to education and community development as education is the bedrock for personal growth and national transformation. While expressing her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed their quota into making the initiative a reality, especially stakeholders, royal fathers, local communities, the management of the school ,dedicated officers and men of the command, she said their efforts have made the project not only possible but a remarkable success.
DCG Nwafor, reaffirmed that the command recognises its responsibility to support the local communities where it operates, as well as demonstrating commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and giving back to its host communities. “By investing in our schools, we are investing in our children and by extension, in the future of our nation. The classrooms we are commissioning today will serve as a vital resource for our young learners, providing them with a conducive environment for growth and learning.
“The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command like any other command of the Nigeria Customs Service, plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and promoting economic development. However, we recognize that our responsibilities extend beyond economic transactions. We have a duty to support the communities in which we operate.
This project is a testament to our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and our belief in the giving back to our host communities.” The Area Controller of the LFTZ Command, Olarenwaju Olumoh in his speech said for a long time, the Nigeria Customs Service had been seriously committed to the promotion of quality leaders as a way of empowering the Nigerian youth. He noted that the renovation of the classrooms is no doubt a token of the generosity of stakeholders and the commitment of the Nigerian Customs Service under the inspiring leadership of the CGC.
“We believe that when we have a conducive learning environment, quality education will not only be better advanced, but it will also be guaranteed. That is why we feel it is worthy for us to compliment the laudable efforts of the government by coming here to support this institution. “In fact, this is one of the several life-touching initiatives that the service has rendered.
Nigeria Customs Service is not only about revenue generation, suppression of smuggling, but also about touching lives. And that is what we are having today.” Mrs Omolayo Adebayo, Head Teacher of Roman Catholic Mission Primary School, Ibeju Lekki, while appreciating the NCS LFTZ Command, emphasised that such act shouldn’t be left for the Government to carry out alone.
She encouraged urged Nigerians to pick up the act of rendering selfless services in any position they find themselves. “In order to give our pupils and teachers a conducive teaching and learning environment, which has been the desire of the Lagos State Government, a benevolent support can be seen today from the Nigerian Customs Service. We really appreciate that.
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