The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service has impounded 8 trailers conveying 7,029 bags of rice and other restricted goods worth N1.75 billion.
Briefing newsmen at the headquarters of the Zone in Ikeja, Lagos on Friday, Acting Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi MFR said the seizures were made at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states of Nigeria.
He explained that in order to protect and encourage local production, his men would continue to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, inspecting the seized goods at the FOU ‘A’ complex in Ikeja, Lagos
He said: “Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, our operations yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods. These include 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 1,100 liters of diesel, one 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes, and one 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items.
“Other smuggled goods seized were one 20-foot container of unprocessed wood, 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 cumulative duty paid value of the intercepted goods amounts to an impressive N1.755 billion.”
According to Adeniyi, investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing, as 14 suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.
“The FOU “A” Unit generated N72.8 milion 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,” the Customs boss noted.
He urged on importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines to 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 said.
