The Lagos-based anti-smuggling arm of Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’, said it intercepted 117 units of vehicles and other general goods for various offences with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N17.4 billion between January and September 2020.
Controller of the Unit, Usman Yahaya, said in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the unit, Theophilus Duniya, in Lagos on Monday that the sum of N1.6 billion was also recovered from demand notice on imports which the owners under declared in order to pay lesser duty within the review period.
While advising importers to always make proper declaration, the Customs boss warned smugglers to desist from sabotaging the nation’s economy through their activities, maintaining that the Unit under his watch remained resolute in enforcing the federal government’s ban on importation of all prohibited items into the country.
According to the statement, “From January to September 2020, the unit increased the federal government revenue with the sum of N 1.6 billion as revenue from demand notices raised on cargoes for either being under declared, wrongly classified or falsely declared. 117 units of vehicles and general goods were seized for various offences worth a Duty Paid Value of N 17.4 billion.
“The unit had in the past intercepted containers laden with pump action rifles, tramadol drugs and smuggled cannabis among other dangerous substances and goods that would have succeeded in getting into the wrong hands. We remain resolute at enforcing the federal government’s ban on the importation of all prohibited goods into the country; especially now that the land borders are closed.
“Importers are advised to make proper declarations and ensure compliance with the extant clearance procedure. However, smugglers are also warned to desist from sabotaging the nation’s economy through their activities.
“We shall remain firm and resolute in discharging our duties in accordance with the extant laws without fears or intimidation. Support and facilitate legitimate compliant traders to succeed in their businesses. While we continue to thank our esteemed stakeholders and patriotic citizens for their unflinching support, we solicit for useful and timely information to serve our nation better.”