Tunde Bakare
The Acting Customs Area Controller (Ag. CAC), in charge of Ogun I Area Command, Deputy Comptroller (DC) Mohammed Shuaibu has highlighted the crippling effects of smuggling on Nigeria’s local economy.
Speaking at his maiden media interaction on Thursday, 19 December 2024, Shuaibu stressed that illegal rice importation hampers local production and also undermines the Federal Government’s efforts to achieve food self-sufficiency.
He noted that Cannabis Sativa also destroys lives, “fuels criminal activities, and jeopardises community safety. Used clothing importation is banned due to health and economic concerns as it discourages local textile industry growth and job creation.”
Speaking on the Command’s anti-smuggling effort, the CAC stated that there was a successful interception of smuggled items with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N229,112,424 at strategic locations including Idiroko, Ilaro, Alama-Rounda axis, Obada Oko-Abeokuta axis, Abule Kazeem Abeokuta and Imeko-Afon axis which are known smuggling hotspots.
He noted that the seizures were recorded within the past few days of his resumption as the Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC).
The items include; 2,169 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice, 1,128 parcels of Cannabis Sativa(weighing 1,109.3kg), 21 bales and 2 sacks of used clothes, 166 pieces of pneumatics tyres, 4,360 cartons of imported shoes.
Others are 250 kegs of PMS(25 liters each), 20 units of vehicles used for conveyance, and 1 unit of foreign used vehicle (2012 model Toyota Highlander).
“Know that our operatives remain resolute in dismantling the smuggling network that undermines our economy, endangers lives, and hinders local industries,” Shuaibu emphasized.
He assured the availability of superior intelligence to match the activities of smugglers and their collaborators while advising law-abiding citizens that the Command would always maintain an open-door policy.
The Acting Area Controller commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, whose guidance, tools, and motivation have helped in carrying out critical responsibilities.