The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, has announced a significant revenue generation of over N83 million in January 2024 through stringent documentary checks and issuance of demand notices on consignments.
Speaking to journalists in Lagos, Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu highlighted the unit’s renewed efforts against smuggling, which included enhanced intelligence gathering and information sharing mechanisms. These efforts led to the identification of new smuggling hotspots and schemes employed by smugglers.
The strategy resulted in 60 seizures with a total duty paid value of N854.15 million during the month. Among the major seizures were 3,653 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 23,025 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), 241 bales of used clothes, 1,490 kg of Indian Hemp, 1,220 cartons of foreign tomato paste, 983 pieces of used tyres, 104 units of Haojuo motorcycles, 556 cartons of slippers, and 11 units of used vehicles.
These goods were found to have contravened various sections of the Customs Act (2023), with some being expired at the time of importation and others flouting import statutory guidelines. Ten suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seized goods.
Ejibunu commended the officers and men of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A for their hard work and dedication to duty. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation of other security agencies in achieving the unit’s successes in 2023.
While expressing appreciation for the compliance of importers, exporters, and agents with the Service’s procedures and regulations, Ejibunu urged them to continue upholding these standards.
He emphasized that smuggling encompasses various criminal activities, including false declaration and concealment of goods, use of unapproved routes and ports, forging of Customs documents, underpayment of Customs duties, and trafficking in prohibited or restricted goods.
