The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has collected approximately N$2.8 billion from its customs and excise operations for the 2022/23 financial year from April to December, 2022.Â
In the previous financial year, 2021/22, the agency collected nearly N$3.7 billion from customs and excise operations, and an additional N$14.7 billion from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).Â
“These achievements are great reasons to celebrate,” said NamRA Commissioner Sam Shivute at the commemoration of International Customs Day held at the Oshikango border post.Â
The International Customs Day recognises the efforts of the global customs community.Â
“As the essential employees at the borders, our customs officers are responsible for facilitating legitimate international trade, collecting taxes, and ensuring the safety and security of the community and the country. This is an opportunity to thank them for everything they have done to keep Namibia secure and, by extension, the rest of the world. They are the unsung heroes of Namibia,” said Shivute.Â
He went on to highlight the agency’s achievements in the past 12 months, including the implementation of the Customs Modernisation Programmes such as the Advance Ruling, the SADC Electronic Certificate of Origin, Container Control Program (CCP), and the Unique Consignment Reference, which will be launched soon. Â
Shivute also acknowledged the customs officers’ efforts in intercepting various consignments of illicit products that are harmful to society.Â
The event was held under the theme: “Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs.â€Â
Shivute emphasised the importance of knowledge management as a business philosophy and the need for innovation in all knowledge areas to improve inspection, control, and smuggling suppression.Â
NamRA also unveiled its new uniform for customs officials, and Shivute urged the public to familiarise themselves with it to avoid being scammed.Â
Ohangwena regional Governor Walde Ndevashiya commended NamRA’s efforts in curtailing fuel smuggling from Angola, which has become a booming illegal business at the northern border post.Â
He called on the central government to adequately fund the agency to acquire the latest tools, equipment, and technology to further boost the fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs and narcotics.Â
He also acknowledged the customs officers’ efforts in making unprecedented seizures of different types of drugs and other substances worth millions of dollars, made possible through collaboration with the Namibian Police and the community.Â
“The seizure of such items protect our society in many ways and we should therefore commend Customs officers for always being ready to serve this great nation,†Ndevashiya said.
