Customs boss jerks up weekly revenue from N13bn to N35bn

Acting Comptroller-General of Customs John Atte yesterday directed Area Controllers to increase their weekly average revenue from the current N13 billion to N35 billion.

According to a statement by the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Adeniyi, in Abuja, Atte gave the directive at a strategic session of Customs Management and Area Controllers.

The meeting deliberated with officers on various areas of revenue leakages and ways to put in place measures to plug them.

Atte directed the immediate setting up of anti-corruption seats in all area commands to monitor officers’ conduct and report to his office accordingly.

On anti-smuggling activities, Atte directed the Federal Operations Units to intensify their border patrols to bring smugglers to book.

He also directed an immediate review of operational procedures to give maximum effect to the ban on all hinterland patrols in the country.

“All Task Forces under any name or guise operating in all seaports, airports and land borders are disbanded with immediate effect.

“Officers serving in these ad hoc units are to be withdrawn and redeployed immediately,’’ Atte said.

Atte also directed Area Controllers to take full control of their areas, adding that they would be held responsible for staff conduct and discipline in their jurisdictions.