By Yemi Akinsuyi, 12.18.2006
The Nigeria Customs Service, a Federal Government arm whose cardinal function is to collect import and export revenue as well as fighting smuggling and trade facilitation, plays a very important role in the economic drive of this nation. The Customs revenue has always been an effective device for government security and raising the living standards and quality of life of the citizens.
To meet the expectation of government and the general public therefore, the Nigeria Customs Service has in the last five years tried to reposition itself through the implementation of government reforms simplification and harmonisation of its procedures in line with international best practices as well as involvement of stakeholders in Customs matters and enlightenment of the general public. It is therefore, on the basis of these and the need to meet the challenges in the increasing world trade, that the SERVICOM Charter of the Service was recently formulated.
Despite the Customs primary purpose of excelling in the collection of and accounting for revenues, international trade facilitation and the protection of the Nigerian economy it has consistently ensured compliance with, and enforcement of government fiscal policies. The Nigeria Customs Service aims to achieve these through several activities such as simplifying valuation and declaration methods to the understanding of officers and men of the service, stakeholders and the general public. General ignorance on this has been identified as one of the factors that promote corrupt practices.
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