By Uzor Odigbo
The newly appointed Customs Area Comptroller (CAC), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Compt. Yusuf Lawal, has warned importers in the South-East region to embrace legitimate trade and shun smuggling.
Lawal warned the importers, while taking over from Kayode Olusemire as the CAC of the region.
In statement by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Jerry Attah, Lawal thanked his predecessor for his anti -smuggling feats during the period even as he urged operatives of his unit to keep up their anti-smuggling operations and prevent loss of government revenue from underpayment, underdeclaration and false declaration to evade duty payment.
He warned that the forthcoming yuletide period and beyond would be tough for smugglers in the combined 11 states of South South and South East.
He said that the unit would continue to act tough against smugglers to get them arrested and seize their wares.
Lawal also advised members of the business community in the five South-East states and six South South states that were involved in imports and exports to be compliant in their dealings.
He added that compliance has become a tool for productivity and a way of building a reputation of integrity in business.
The new Controller also sought the support of sister-security agencies, while looking forward to consolidate on the existing synergy between FOU Zone C and other services.
Comptroller Olusemire, the outgoing Controller, has been posted to Customs Headquarters in a recent deployment of comptrollers approved by the Comptroller General of Customs.
