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By Moses Ebosele
The Federal Government through Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced full scale investigation to unravel the identities of automobile dealers responsible for alleged under-declaration at the nation’s seaports.
Specifically, City BusinessNews gathered yesterday that the investigation was prompted by a petition forwarded to the NCS by some individuals and groups at the port.
According to a highly placed source, the presidency is aware of the development and has ordered a detailed investigation.
The source said: “The petition is very detailed. Names were mentioned. However, we need more evidence. One of the dealers who specializes in selling premium vehicles was alleged to have cleared dozens of new vehicles as used ones,” thereby depriving the Federal Government of much needed revenue.
Besides, other dealers, according to the petition, allegedly thrive in “cutting corners at the port by clearing new vehicles as used ones.”
According to the highly placed source, the investigation is also expected to ascertain the “the brains and sponsors behind the smuggling of new and used vehicles across the land borders”.
He said: “This time around, we are not looking for the foot soldiers. Some smuggled vehicles have been traced to auto showrooms in Victoria Island and other locations within and outside Lagos State”.
The NCS recently impounded over one hundrend vehicles smuggled into the country.
According to the NCS, all those arrested in connection with the smuggling would be prosecuted according to the constitution.
*Contact Editor through Citybusinessnews@yahoo.com
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