By Asuquo Nuwak
The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ of Nigeria Customs Service, in Ikeja, Lagos, once again, made utmost significance impact to the nation’s economic well-being, which has led to commendable interception of approximately eight trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice.
This significance and commendable interception was made known by the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, during a media briefing at the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja.
At a media briefing, it was clearly stated that agriculture, being the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.
It was also stated, in alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, that the dedicated officers executed series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure of 7,029 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice.
These decisive actions, according to the media statement, took place at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western states.
According to the report, the objective which was in two fold: was firstly to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and secondly, to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.
A press statement revealed that, beyond the parboiled rice seizures, the operations yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods, ranging from
35,100 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
1,100 liters of diesel,
1 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes, 1×40foot container containing 150 cartons of ladie’s hand bags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items.
The Further breakdown of the seized items include
1×20-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 Customs Boss, who said investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing, also added that fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import and export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.
It was observed that, the cumulative Duty Paid Value DPV of the intercepted goods amounts to an impressive One Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-five Million, Eighty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-eight Naira (1,755,080,898).
In addition to this, the Unit further generated seventy-two million, eight hundred and seven thousand, twenty-five naira, eleven kobo (N72,807,025.11) as 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.
He urged importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments.
His words: “Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders”.
In conclusion, he extended his gratitude to Journalists for their attention and their role in disseminating this vital information. He added that as responsible stakeholders, we can together safeguard the nation’s economy and contribute to the welfare of our fellow citizens.