By:Hertha Ekandjo
The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRa) has collected about N$2.8 billion in revenue from customs and excise for the current financial year 2022/2023 from operations between April – December 2022.
This was revealed by the agency’s commissioner Sam Shivute at the occasion of International Customs Day at Oshikango in the Ohangwena region yesterday.
For the previous financial year (2021/2022) the agency had collected N$3.6 billion from customs and excise through operations and N$14.7 billion in revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU)for the same financial year.
Shivute said that customs officers are responsible for facilitating legitimate international trade as well as collecting taxes and ensuring the safety and security of the community and the country.
“Therefore, to intensify inspection, control, and smuggling suppression, elevate appropriate methods, and 5 tactics, improve working effectiveness, and realize harmonized and sustainable growth and development, Namibia Customs administration must increase innovation in all of the knowledge areas,”the commissioner said.
Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya said NamRa officials made unprecedented seizures of different types of drugs and other substances worth millions of dollars with the help of the Namibian Police and the community.
“The seizure of such items protects our society in many ways and we should therefore commend customs officers for always being ready to serve this great nation,” the governor said.
Ndevashiya said it is important to highlight that customs and excise is an essential service and this was evident during the lockdown or travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“They were working non-stop to ensure supply chain and business continuity throughout the pandemic period. They speedily cleared the much-needed oxygen and medicines for our hospitals during the emergency situation”.
Every year on 26 January, International Customs Day recognizes the role of customs officials and agencies in maintaining the flow of goods across the world’s borders. On this day, members of the World Customs Organization (WCO) also showcase their efforts and activities.
This year’s theme is “Nurturing the next generation: promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional pride in Customs”.
NamRa is the nation’s tax collecting authority. Established in terms of the Namibia Revenue Agency Act 12 of 2017 as an autonomous agency, it is responsible for administering the Namibian tax laws and customs and excise services.
NamRa Collects N$2.8 Billion In Customs Revenue
