The Tin-Can Island Port Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has impounded three container laden with textile materials, vegetable oil and office chairs.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Tunji Aremu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in his office on Wednesday, said that the items were imported from China.
He stated that the containers, which were intercepted based on information, were found to be carrying vegetable oil concealed with motor spare parts.
“We got wind of the containers based on information. There is concealment of vegetable oil in large quantity inside one of the containers. So the motor spare part is just a disguise to conceal the real goods being carried,” Aremu stated.
He said that the Customs agents clearing the consignments and the importers were at large, noting that the agents’ licences have since been suspended.
“The problem we usually encounter is when the game is up, the agent will not show up. And this gives answer to the reason why we suspend some agencies’ licences. For instance, the agent responsible for this importation has been sanctioned, so he cannot make use of his agency’s license,” he said.
He said the value of the consignments is yet to be estimated.
The Customs boss warned that unscrupulous agents, who are in the habit of bringing contraband goods into the country, will forfeit same.
In his words: “As they bring them in, we will seize them. And that will definitely show that we are in control.”
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