By Asuquo Nuwak
The Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) Customs Command of Nigeria Customs Service, intercepted 20×20 containers of expired tomato concentrate .
The Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, who disclosed this during a press briefing at the Port & Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), said the significant of the press briefing was aimed at shedding light on momentous achievement in the ongoing efforts of Nigeria Customs Service to combat smuggling and discouraging unlawful practices, specifically false declarations.
In the words of Comptroller-General of Customs: “Today, we stand before you to announce a remarkable seizure at the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), a seizure that marks a historic milestone in the history of the command. We have successfully intercepted and detained a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of this command”.
He emphasized that operations of this nature align perfectly with the goals he has set for the Nigeria Customs Service under his leadership, which include curbing smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of our nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses.
He recalled that on 8th August, 2023, during a routine examination, the vigilant officers at PTML, uncovered a cache of expired tomato concentrate, deemed unsafe for human consumption. Besides, the audacity of the smugglers to attempt introducing this hazardous product into the Nigerian market is both shocking and disheartening.
These expired tomato concentrates, according to the Customs Boss, were concealed within 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, all under the auspices of a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited, while in each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums.
According to a press statement, the Duty Paid Value DPV of this illegal cargo is a staggering sum of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73).
He gave details numbers of container which are involved in this illicit operation are as follows: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351.
He noted that, as of now, all these containers remain in Nigeria Customs Service’s custody, officially recorded as seizures. In the same vein, he said the Customs operatives have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation.
He observed that, this seizure, which was processed through three separate Single Good Declarations (SGDs) forms, is a testament to the unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and the Service determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerian citizens by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.
He further observed that, the actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene the provisions of sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Additionally, it directly violates schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026.
The Customs Boss, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, took the opportunity to send a stern warning to importers and their agents, while urging them to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations, aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into our country.
He condemned the audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market, while also described their actions as heartless and inexcusable.
He assured that the officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, and diligently scrutinizing all import and export consignments passing through the seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports, and terminals nationwide.
In his words: “It is essential to reiterate that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to the regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties.
In conclusion, he implored all importers and their agents to act patriotically by making honest declarations, while urging them to remembered that compliance brings numerous benefits, including building a reputation for integrity, saving time and money by avoiding demand notices and penalties, and staying out of legal troubles that could lead to imprisonment, loss of licenses, and blacklisting.
He Thanked and appreciated continued support of Nigeria Customs Service’s efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of the nation.