In keeping with its growing role as a critical trade hub amongst the maritime commands in Lagos, the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Area Command (KLTC) of the Nigeria Customs Service recorded significant achievements in 2023.
The Command under the watch of the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Martina Tilley-Gyado, through dedication, innovation, and strategic partnerships overcame its operational challenges to generate a record-breaking fifty-three billion, four hundred and twenty-nine million, six hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and fifteen Naira (=N=53,429,615,615) in 2023.
This represents a 19% increase in revenue realized for the same period in 2022. Though not operating at full capacity, the Command is dedicated to delivering on its 2024 target of 87.5 billion.
Under export, KLTC transformed from a simple export transit hub to a bustling processing centre after the arrival of its Export Processing Terminal (EPT).
Since implementing standardized procedures, the innovation has seen to the export of 399 containers of agro products and solid mineral in 2023, marking a significant shift in its operations.
Furthermore, the Command undertook several key activities that impacted positively on the revenue drive for the period under review. These include:
- Processing and clearance of import and export shipments
- Conducting risk assessment analysis to ensure compliance with trade regulations.
- Engagement with critical stakeholders to enhance and facilitate legitimate trade
- Collaborating with other government and security agencies to enhance security.
- Proper physical examination of containers.
- Boosting staff morale through upgrading the workspace environment and maintaining proper sanitation.
In the same vein, the Command made a seizure of a 1 x 40ft container of expired drugs and supplements. The duty paid value of the seizure amounts to seven million, eight hundred and forty-three thousand, nine hundred and fifty-seven Naira.
While not oblivious to the operational challenges faced in 2023, Comptroller Tilley-Gyado affirmed that the unwavering support and guidance of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and the Management team of the Service have been instrumental in achieving the feats. While expressing her gratitude for their support, she reaffirmed the commitment of officers and men of KLTC to continuously improving on the Commands mandate.
She also extendeds her gratitude to all esteemed stakeholders for their contributions to making 2023 a remarkable year and looks forward to a better 2024.
