The Nigeria Customs Service have declared to be resolute in anti-smuggling fight as a law enforcement agency, and promised to be resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances use.
This was made known yesterday by the Command Area 1 Controller, Deputy Controller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu at the Command headquarters in Idiroko, Ogun State.
DC Shuaibu said,”we resolve to remain resolute in anti-smuggling fight has enabled the Command to record a total seizure of 122 items comprising 901 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana or Indian hemp; 500 pieces of foreign-used Pneumatic Tyres, more commonly known as Tokunbo tyres; 23 units of vehicles used as means of conveying prohibited goods and 5 foreign used vehicles commonly known as Tokunbo; and 4,684 bags of foreign parboiled rice in 50kg each, which is an equivalence of 8 trailers load, among others.”
He emphasized that,” The persistent seizure of Cannabis Sativa, Foreign used Pneumatic tyres and other dangerous goods, is a testimony of the Command’s relentless efforts and resilience in preventing our teeming youth from harmful substances which could either truncate or render their lives useless. It is also a proof of our concern in safeguarding our motorists from road mishap which could terminate their lives or subject them to permanent disability. We are determined to making our society a safe place to live with peace of mind and an enabling environment for our businesses to thrive.”
The Customs boss explained that,” From 1st to 31st of October, 2023, the Command generated the total sum of N30,408,276.00 as revenue, through baggage assessment and auction sales of seized petroleum products. In comparison with the amount of N5,487,076.00 collected in the corresponding period of year 2022, there is a significant increase of N24,921,200.00, which is over 400% increment. We are able to achieve these feat due to our unwavering commitment to trade facilitation and robust stakeholders’ engagement.”
He added that,” We are pleased to inform you that, during the period under review, the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures recorded by the Command amount to N398,470,687.00. Our success story is attributed to the enabling working atmosphere created by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR dsm fnipr psc+ and his management team. As a matter of fact, we recently took delivery of 8 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, provided by the CGC to enhance our anti-smuggling operations. Other factors responsible for our achievements was the strategic deployment of our gallant Officers and Men, deployment of intelligence and collaborative efforts of the sister agencies, and other critical stakeholders.”
DC Shuaibu reassured the people that,” the economic well-being and security of our dear nation is a serious business that should not be compromised. We reassured the general public of our unwavering dedication to discharging our statutory responsibility with due diligence and utmost sense of patriotism. We operate an open-door policy to accommodate the support of patriotic Nigerians through sharing of useful information and other forms of information that may require our attention on legitimate trade or our activities generally. Let me use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to stemming the tides of smuggling in Ogun State and warn recalcitrant smugglers or would be smugglers to steer clear of smuggling activities or face the consequences. Failure to heed these warnings await them gross financial loss and full wrath of the law.”