FOU Zone “A”Generates N73M from DN …Seizes Eight Trailer Loads OfForeign parboiled Rice And Other Goods Worth N1.8B

 The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) through the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ has generated a whopping sum of Seventy-two Million, Eight Hundred and Seven Thousand, Twenty-five Naira, Eleven Kobo (N72,807,025.11) as revenue arising from documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices (DNs) on consignments that were found to have underplayed their customs duty

Disclosing this  to newsmen on Friday, the Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR who was flanged by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, ACG Mohammed Jibo and other senior Management team at the FOU Zone A headquarters Ikeja Lagos, also informed that the unit within the month of September seized a total of 7,029 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice which is approximately eight trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice and other goods all with a duty paid value of One Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-five Million, Eighty Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety-eight Naira (1,755,080,898).

Giving a breakdown of other seizures made by the FOU zone A, which is ably led by Deputy Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, the Ag. CGC stated that other seizures includes 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS), 1,100 liters of diesel, 1 X 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; 1 X 40 foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies’ handbags, 50 bales of nickers.

Others are 1 X 20-foot container of unprocessed wood, 106 cartons of foreign frozen poultry, 55 pieces of used fridges, 110 pieces of used compressors, 148 cartons of foreign soap, 121 cartons of expired hair oil and 25 units of used vehicles.

The customs boss stressed that agriculture, being the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy underscores the federal government’s commitment to achieving self-sustaining growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians.

The Comptroller General said that in alignment with this commitment and the spirit of patriotism, Customs dedicated officers executed a series of operations resulting in the interception and seizure.

 

He noted that these decisive actions took place at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South Western states. He explained that the objective of the seizure was twofold: to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to inflict financial losses on active smugglers.

While commending the Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Deputy Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu and Officers of the federal operations unit for the remarkable milestone achieved, the CGC revealed that fourteen suspects were apprehended in connection with the various seizures and investigations into the various offenses which includes violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives are ongoing.

While reminding shippers and their agents that compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across Nigerian borders, the Customs boss urged importers and licensed agents to make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments.