Customs: Importers lost N1.7bn worth of goods to clampdown in September

The federal operations unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) zone A, in Ikeja, says over N1.76 billion worth of foreign parboiled rice and other goods were seized in September.

On Friday, Adewale Adeniyi, the acting comptroller-general of customs (CG), said the imported goods were intercepted within the border corridors of the south-west states at various times.

He said the federal government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth has fuelled the efforts of the agency against smugglers.

“In alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, our dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice,” NAN quoted Adeniyi as saying.

Adeniyi said the customs’ drive is to inflict financial losses on active smugglers and discourage potential traders from engaging in the act.

According to the comptroller-general, the interceptions led to seizures of energy products including 35,100 litres of petrol and 1,100 litres of diesel.

He said 360 bales of used clothes were found in a 40-foot container, while “150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items were discovered in another 40-foot container”.

Adeniyi said the unit’s operations yielded results in September, adding that a 20-foot container of unprocessed wood was also seized.

“Also included are 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),” he said.

The customs official said there is an ongoing investigation into the seizures, stating that 14 suspects have been apprehended for offences such as smuggling, violating import/export guidelines, contravening policy directives, wrong classification, concealment and undervaluation.

He told importers and licensed agents that compliance is a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders, just as it is a legal obligation.

Adeniyi also advised them to comply with import and export guidelines to prevent losing their investments to customs.

Meanwhile, he said diligent documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on those who paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty, generated N72.8 million in revenue for the unit.