The Lilypond Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted eleven containers loaded with timber and unprocessed wood worth $296,000, poised to be smuggled out of Nigeria on Wednesday.
Speaking with journalists, Jibola Odusanya, the Customs Area Controller of the Lilypond Export Command, revealed that the illegal export was intercepted at the barge area of Apapa Port on October 11, 2024.
“Acting on credible intelligence, a combined team of the Lilypond Export Command officers and officers of the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) intercepted and detained these containers suspected of being used for smuggling following the discharge of some export-bound containers at the barge area of Apapa Port on October 11, 2024,” Odusanya said.
“A total of 11 units of 20ft containers fully laden with rough/sawn timber have been seized. This consignment is estimated to have a market value of $295,944.00. On November 1, 2024, the LEXC scheduled the suspected containers for a hundred percent physical examination, and they were found to contain raw and processed timber, which contravenes Schedule 6 of the Common External Tariff.
“According to the provisions of Sections 148, 149, and 150 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the detained containers are hereby converted to seizures,” he added.
Olusanya noted that the seizure serves as a deterrent to others who plan to smuggle restricted items out of the country.
Related Posts:
Customs Seize ₦921m Worth of Drones, Fake Drugs, Expired Food at Apapa Port
No rice ship called Apapa port in two years, says Customs
Nigeria Customs Service Marks International Customs Day 2025, Showcases Achievements, Future Goals
Nigeria Customs Service Seizes Record PMS Smuggling Haul in Kebbi Under Operation Whirlwind
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.
