Lagos Boosts Excise Compliance Efforts

The Lagos Industrial Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has increased its initiatives aimed at boosting excise tax collections and ensuring adherence by conducting various orientation and awareness sessions with major players in the sector.

As per a declaration from the Public Relations Officer at the command, Juliana Tomo, a Senior Customs Official, the initiative started last month and concluded in December. This coincided with the appointment of Adebola Salawu as the new Customs Area Controller overseeing the command, who took up his role in September.

The declaration mentioned that the visits "were intended to enhance cooperation with taxpayers and boost the department's total income."

During the gathering, the CAC examined how stakeholders handle revenue payments, emphasizing the importance of promptly and accurately submitting excise taxes according to current rules.

"I restate my dedication to making a significant contribution to Nigeria's economic growth, and I see this endeavor as a duty of patriotism," Salawu said.

She called on all involved parties to adopt openness and adherence to regulations in their activities, emphasizing that effective collaboration between the NCS and business entities is essential for realizing long-term income expansion.

Salawu further urged all relevant parties to make full use of the Integrated Customs Management System, commonly referred to as the "B'Odogwu" portal, for immediate payment of excise duties.

The B'odogwu system aims to facilitate smooth, clear, and effective payment of excise duties. She warned that delayed payments may result in fines according to the NCS Act 2023, such as a 10 percent extra charge on overdue excise duty payments, along with further consequences for trading infractions.

The CAC also emphasized various trade promotion measures undertaken by the service, designed to enhance business operations and deepen collaborations with the private industry.

"These encompass procedures for facilitating exports, the single-window initiative, the Authorized Economic Operator program, advance rulings, and prospects within the African Continental Free Trade Area," she added.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).