The Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Ikeja, of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) reported intercepting eight truckloads of imported parboiled rice and other items worth N1.76 billion in September.
Adewale Adeniyi, the interim Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), made this statement at a news conference on Friday in Lagos.
The seizures, according to Adeniyi, occurred at various times and places along the South-West states’ border corridors.
He continued by saying that the division earned N72.8 million through careful document checks and the issue of demand notices to those who paid less than the proper customs duty.
He asserts that the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and raising the standard of living for all Nigerians is underscored by agriculture, which is the backbone of the country’s economy.
In accordance with this dedication and the spirit of patriotism, our hardworking officers carried out a series of operations that led to the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of imported parboiled rice.
Inflicting financial damages on active smugglers and discouraging potential dealers from engaging in smuggling activities are the two goals of this measure, he said.
Beyond the seizures of parboiled rice, Adeniyi observed that the unit’s efforts produced noteworthy outcomes in September with the seizure of numerous commodities.
35,100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 1,100 litres of diesel, and a 40-foot container holding 360 bales of worn clothing are among the products, according to him.
Others included a 40-foot container with 150 cartons of women’s purses, 50 bales of pants and other falsely reported commodities, as well as a 20-foot container with raw wood.
In addition, he added, “there are 106 cartons of foreign frozen chicken, 55 used refrigerators, 110 used compressors, 121 expired hair oil cartons, 148 foreign soap cartons, and 25 units of automobiles (Tokunbo).
He claims that certain of these seizures are the subject of active investigations.
14 people have been detained in connection with a number of charges, he added.
The infractions, according to him, include breaking import/export regulations, concealment, undervaluation, incorrect classification, smuggling, and breaking policy instructions.
Adeniji, however, advised licenced importers and agents to make truthful statements, follow current import and export regulations, and prevent the risk of losing their investments.
Compliance is a strategic decision that ensures the efficient and seamless flow of commodities across our borders, he said, in addition to being required by law.
