The Senate has directed the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to increase its revenue target for 2025 from N6 trillion to N10 trillion.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Isah Jibrin, said this on Monday when the NCS’ Deputy Comptroller General Jibo Bello appeared before the committee for its budget defence.
The directive comes amid concerns over rising smuggling and insecurity challenges across the country.
The committee identified gaps in the government’s tariff policy, particularly the lack of enforcement of the four freight on board charge.
Bello disclosed that the Ministry of Finance authorised the suspension of the four per cent freight on board charge, prompting the Senate to mandate the Minister’s appearance.
The chairman of the committee, therefore, mandated the Minister of Finance, Wale Edu, to appear before it to give explanations on the suspension of the four per cent freight on board charges, which they say was an infraction of the law.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edu, is expected to appear before the Senate Committee on Thursday to explain the suspension of the four per cent freight on board charges.
The Senate sought to ensure accountability, revenue optimisation, and national security enforcement, with the Finance Minister and key stakeholders scheduled to appear before the committee.
