The Federal Operations Unit Zone A of Nigeria Customs Service has made seizures of 1,500 pieces of bullet proof jackets, 989 kg of Indian Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) , 5,229 cartons of expired drugs and other contraband items worth Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N3,636,594,600.
The Controller of the Unit, Comptroller Kola Oladeji who disclosed this to Journalists during a press briefing explained that the seizures were made at various times and locations within the South-Western States.
He added that in the month of June 2024, the Unit generated a revenue of N62,017,875.82 through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of Demand Notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate Customs duties .
Comptroller Kola noted that according to the Customs Common External Tariff (CET) ,the importation of military wares is illegal except it is prior to the consent of National Security Adviser.
According to him, ” other items seized within the month of June include: 343,750 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS) , 7,150 bags of foreign parboiled rice at 50 kg each, 32 units of used motor vehicles were intercepted, 120 bags of sugar at 50 kg each, 3,560 cartons of poultry products ”
“4 suspects were apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives”
“Worthy of note is the fact that under Schedule four (4) of the Customs Common External Tariff (CET), the importation of all kinds of military wares by individuals is under “absolute prohibition”. An End-User Certificate (E U C) is required for the importation of controlled items and products into Nigeria. An E U C is an undertaking by a purchaser/importer that any of the controlled items/products would be for lawful use within Nigeria; and must not be transferred or re-exported to any other entity or country prior written consent of the issuing authority, which is the Office of the National Security Adviser” he said.
He emphasized the need for citizens to be security conscious as it is the Federal Government’s utmost priority.He stated the negative effects of illicit and expired drugs.
“Security is the bed-rock of Nigeria’s economy which underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth that would enhance the quality of life for all citizens”
“You may recall that some security and medical experts reported that people who take illicit drugs can lead to mental health cases, and are most often motivated for the wrong reasons; where extreme motivations could lead to loss of conscience that aids the commission of crimes. The intake of expired drugs can have serious health consequences on the kidneys and the liver, inclusive of the development of allergies and lowering of immunity”
The Unit’s Controller implored all patriotic citizens to provide useful and timely information that would lead to the arrest of illegal importation of military wares, illicit drugs and counterfeiting goods. He also urged Importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their goods.
