The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) says its average monthly revenue has now fallen to about N50 billion from N80 billion.
The Comptroller-General of NCS, Col Hameed Ali (rtd), made the disclosure on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to the District Head of Gwadabawa, Sokoto state, Alhaji Lawal Zayyana
He said that the fall was as a result of the low domestic and international trade, as well as the dwindling foreign reserves of the country.
Ali also said that smuggling activities were crippling the nation’s economy.
”The only solution remains focusing more attention on mechanised farming to make Nigeria self sufficient in food production.”
Ali promised that the officers and men of the service would continue to live above board so as to nip smuggling in the bud.
The Customs similarly reassured of the determination of the service to stop the smuggling of arms and illicit drugs.
He said the visit was aimed at cementing the existing cordial relationship between the service and its host communities.
Ali said the support of local community was crucial to the effectiveness of his officer and men who face the challenge of monitoring the nearly 4,070- kilometre Nigeria’s borderline.
In his response the District Head promised that traditional rulers in the area would work to sustain the cordial relation with officers of the service.
”We will continue to sensitise our people on the need to be law abiding and desist from smuggling,” he said.
