Outstanding: Customs department injects over 897 BFCFA into state coffers in 2022.

In 2022, the Customs Department raised the sum of 897.4 billion FCFA for the State. The figures were disclosed during the first coordination meeting of the heads of central and decentralised services of the Directorate General of Customs. The meeting took place in Yaounde, January 9.

While addressing his collaborators, the Director General of Customs, Fongod Edwin Nuvaga said the year 2022 was marked by the weakening of global economic activity. He linked the situation to the consequences of the Russia and Ukraine war.

Faced with the unfavourable context and under the benevolent authority of the hierarchy, the Customs DG implemented relevant and effective measures on the road to performance.

The Customs DG explained that on the fiscal front, out of the 863.9 billion FCFA budget forecasts for the year, Customs generated the sum of 897.4 billion FCFA in 2022. The statistics show a cash-based realisation rate of 103.9%.  

According to the Customs boss, the 2022 realisation rate shows an increase in revenue of 45.1 billion FCFA in absolute value and 5.3% in relative value compared to the year 2021.

“This is the first time that the Directorate General of Customs has exceeded its objectives for three consecutive years. For the record, we are at 108.9% in 2020, 105.9% in 2021 and 103.9% in 2022,” Fongod said.

In terms of customs litigation, he indicated that the number of sessions increased from 13 in 2021 to 14 in 2022 while the number of cases handled rose from 9,653 in 2021 to 9,719 in 2022. The amount of evaded duties rose from over 13.131 billion FCFA in 2021 to 16.40 billion FCFA in 2022, registering an increase of 2 billion 907 million FCFA.

The Customs boss also stated that the amount of fines increased from 14 billion 488 million FCFA in 2021 to 21 billion 499 million FCFA in 2022.

Regarding surveillance and security, he indicated that the Directorate General of Customs has been integrated into the national defence and security community following a presidential decree.

In lauding the commitment, patriotism, professionalism and determination of the Customs officers throughout the year, Fongod stressed that these values have resulted in numerous seizures of fraudulent, contraband and counterfeit goods as well as goods that are dangerous to security.

He then attributed the brilliant performances recorded in 2022 by the Customs department to the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze.

“Customs, an efficient administration, is worth its weight in gold. Far from being a slogan, it is a reality. Moreover, it is a notable fact of the pride of our profession,” he added. Homage was also paid to colleagues and collaborators who passed on in 2022.