Customs Intercepts N744m Contraband

The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja, said it impounded 2,142 different contraband goods valued at N744 million between January 1 and October 7. 2012.

Uche Ejesieme, the Public Relations Officer of the unit, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said that the Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the seizures was N890 million.

“We are saddled with the responsibilities of not just suppressing smuggling but also enforcing compliance. We are on top of this assignment going by the admonishment of the CGC, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, and also from the clear leadership style of the Controller, Federal Operations, Comptroller Dan Ugo, who has put everybody on his toes in that assignment.

“We are not relenting on the issue of suspects because the CGC is very particular about ensuring that we get suspects alongside some of these seizures and we are glad to let you know that we have arrested a total of 233 suspects during the same period. Some of the cases are being investigated while others are being prosecuted.”

Ejesieme said that the Area Controller, Mr. Dan Ugo, had been trying his best to ensure zero tolerance for all poultry products based on the directive of the comptroller-general of customs.

“We have our reasons for doing that because first, we need to protect the nation’s economy. We need to also let people know that what they are consuming is also hazardous to health. We need to also think about growing our economy internally. To that effect, the Federal Government in its wisdom placed a ban, which we are enforcing.

“The Federal Operations Unit from June to Sept. 2012, seized a total of 13, 418 cartons of assorted poultry products. The value of seizures is N41, 981, 400 only, with a Duty Paid Value of over N51 million.”

Ejesieme said the level of voluntary payment and compliance with the fiscal policy was on the high side as a result of the unit’s commitment.

He said the management would not relent in equipping the officers, adding that it would also ensure improved performances.