As part of efforts aimed at curbing smuggling activities around the Seme border communities, Zonal Coordinator in charge of Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller General, Charles Edike has presented the list of export prohibition items to the Baale of Gbaji-Yeke, Chief Idowu Kuwakonu.
Edike who presented the list at a town-hall meeting held in Seme on Wednesday said the presentation of the lists of prohibited items to the Baale was to enable him enlighten youths of the various communities within the Seme border on items that they cannot import or export.
He said the initiative would also help check the frequent clashes between operatives of the command and the communities.
He listed some of the products on the export prohibition list to include maize, timber—rough or sawn, unfinished leather, unprocessed rubber latex, artefacts and antiquities and all goods imported into Nigeria among others.
Edike also presented the Baale with the import prohibition lists, including the list of items that are absolutely prohibited and those that cannot be imported for purpose of trade, but for personal consumption only.
Handing the lists to Chief Kuwakonu, the ACG said, “This is to help educate the youths in your communities on the items that they cannot import or export, so that they are not held for smuggling.
“I believe that they will listen to you better as their traditional father. And when they understand this, they can avoid being involved in smuggling.”
The community representatives commended the area Controller, Victor Dimka, for his efforts at ensuring that clashes were avoided, and his quick response whenever such unfortunate incidence occurred.
One of the community representatives, Tunde Humpati appreciated the forum to address the issues of concern to the communities and the Service.
The ACG also clarified that rice was not banned, but only required to be imported through the Nigeria’s seaports.
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