By Uzor Odigbo
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit Zone A has announced the seizure of eight trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice (7,029 50kg bags) in its bid to eradicate smuggling.
The seizures were made at different times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states.
In a media briefing held at Ikeja on Friday, October 6, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi heaped praises on the officers at the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A.
Aside the trailer loads of rice, the Nigeria Customs reiterated its seizures in the month of September such as; 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 1,100 liters of diesel, one 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes, one 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items, one 20-foot container of unprocessed wood.
Other seizures include; 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry, 55 pieces of used fridges, 110 pieces of used compressors, 148 cartons of foreign soap, 121 cartons of expired hair oil and 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo).
The total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the intercepted goods is estimated at One Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-five Million, Eighty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-eight Naira (1,755,080,898).
The Customs Comptroller-General went further to eludicate the significance of agriculture on the economy of Nigeria.
“Agriculture, being the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, underscores the federal government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
“In alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, our dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice. These decisive actions took place at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states. The objective was two-fold: to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers,” he stated.
Mr. Adeniyi also disclosed that NCS has commenced Investigations into some of the seizures.
“Fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives,” the Acting CG revealed.
In the same vein, he explained: “The Unit generated Seventy-two Million, Eight Hundred and Seven Thousand, Twenty-five Naira, Eleven Kobo (N72,807,025.11) in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.
“Importers and licensed agents are urged to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments. Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders.”
Adeniyi also commended the role of the media in disseminating useful information, thereby shielding the country’s economy
