THE Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 35,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 1,100 liters of diesel smuggled within the border corridors of the Southwestern states worth N1.8 billion.
Recall that filling stations were closing down on a daily basis because of the increasing cost of importing crude oil into the country and the exchange rate, which according to petroleum product dealers, could lead to widespread scarcity in the coming months.
Also, the Federal Government banned sale of petroleum products within a 20-kilometre radius to the international border to curb smuggling of the products out of Nigeria to other neighboring countries such as Republic of Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic, among others.
The acting Comptroller-General Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said 14 suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, as investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing.
He also listed other smuggled items seized to include, 12 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice, one 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; one 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of knickers and other falsely declared items; 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)
Adeniyi listed the offences under the seizures to include, violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling and contravening policy directives.
He said the objective of the seizures was to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.
The Customs boss said agriculture, being the cornerstone of the nation’s economy, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Adeniyi also added that the Customs unit generated N72.8 million 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 urged importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments.
He said compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across the nation’s borders.
