The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Col Hameed Ibrahim Alli (rtd) on Wednesday visited Area 11 Command, Onne Port to get firsthand account of the clampdown on unauthorized import through the axis.
Briefing Journalists, the Customs Boss explained that on-going partial closure of land borders across four geo political zones in the country has led to increased desperation by smugglers “who are now diverting their activities to our seaports”.
According to the CGC, between January this year and Wednesday, the Area II Command, Onne Port has recorded total seizure of 87 containers with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N1.1billion.
The breakdown of the seizures iis as follows:
1. 20 container of tomatoes with a total DPV of ₦272,261,026.69
2. 10 containers of vegetable Oil worth the sum of ₦58,380,528.00
3. 34 containers of roofing tiles amounted to the sum of ₦505,687,096.00
4. 11 containers of expired rice totaling the sum of ₦102,352,800.00
5. 1 container of machetes with a total DPV of ₦36,347,786.00
6. 9 containers of expired vegetable oil and jam worth the sum of ₦117,614,232.00
7. 1 container of expired baby wipes with a total DPV of ₦9,041,714.00
8. 1 container of scrap metal amounting to the sum of ₦6,043,780.00
The CGC explained that these seizures are in line with the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) CAP C45 LFN 2004, Sections 46 and 161.
He said: “Let me reiterate our concern and determination to do all it takes to protect the wellbeing and safety of all citizens and residents by preventing the devastating effect of these hazardous importation and smuggled items. They endanger our lives as Nigerians hence will not be allowed to find their ways into the markets.
“As a responsible Agency, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will not disappoint on its mandate of enforcing compliance by maintaining zero tolerance to smuggling activities, irrespective of whoever is involved and under whatever circumstance.
“Let me assure you that a thorough investigation will be conducted with a view to bringing all connected to justice.
“We shall continue to apply stringent sanctions on any act capable of compromising our efforts towards achieving better efficiency in the discharge of our mandate.
“I commend my officers in Area II Command, Onne Port for job well done.
“The Command’s revenue collection of eighty-nine billion, seven hundred and fifty-four million, eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand, two hundred and sixty-four naira, and eighteen kobo (₦89,754,878,264.18) from 1st January 2019 to date is commendable.
“I urge you to sustain this effort and possibly surpass your 2019 target.
“Let conclude by appreciating our media friends for informing and educating the public about the activities of NCS. We must continue to join hands to achieve Nigeria of our dream”.
