Customs’ FOU Zone ‘A’ Impounds Contrabands Worth N1.2bn

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reported the seizure of 13 trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice and 17 vehicles, among other notable items, worth N1,241,777,700 in October this year.

The Service, in a statement  on Wednesday, quoted the Acting Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’, Hussein Ejibunu, as giving this hint at the unit’s headquarters in Lagos.

Ejibunu explained that the 17 vehicles were seized from smugglers who wanted to circumvent the law, stressing that the Federal Operation Unit Zone ‘A’ under his watch will make the remaining part of the year more challenging for smugglers in the interest of the country.

He said: “Other seizures for the month under review include 14,825 liters of premium motor spirit, 657 pieces of used tires, 202kg of cannabis sativa, 39 bales of second-hand clothing, 100 packs of tomato ketchup, four units of used motorcycles, 100 cartons of used soaps, and 730 sacks of hides & skin.”

In addition, the acting Comptroller disclosed that nine individuals had been apprehended in the course of anti-smuggling operations, with some of them currently facing prosecution in various states within the zone.

Meanwhile, in his remarks at the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) forum , the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said that the Service was committed to policies geared at intercontinental free trade as well as ensuring border security.

He expressed optimism that the enforcement of the Presidential directive for the 48-hour clearance of goods at seaports by Executive Order 001 would enhance AfCFTA benefits.

He further clarified: “Furthermore, we are redefining performance measures for key government agencies to emphasize trade facilitation, implementing the National Single Window trading platform.

“Also is the launching of a comprehensive transformational program to support export development”, the Comptroller-General added.