Customs: Eastern Marine Command Strengthens Relationship with Stakeholders to Facilitate International Trade in South- South Waterways

 ...Seizes Tusks, Pangolin Scales, Other illegal items worth ₦680.3M DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment to facilitate international trade and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt, held a  productive stakeholders engagement parley with ship owners, agents and key stakeholders from the maritime sector.

The meeting which was held at the Command’s Headquarter, Port Harcourt, was organised by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu to discuss and streamline the process of carrying out proper documentation of temporary importation papers, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime industry in the South-South waterways. 

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, NE Tangwa, ship owners, agents and representatives from various maritime enterprises actively participated in the discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges and valuable insights.

The event served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive engagement, allowing stakeholders to address common issues and propose practical solutions for improving the documentation process of temporary importation papers.

 The stakeholders on their part appreciated the development for such parley has not been held for a long time in the command.

Meanwhile, the Command also made a significant breakthrough in combatting wildlife trafficking by intercepting a substantial quantity of Pangolin scales, Elephant tusks and sacks of used second hand shoes. 

Tangwa disclosed in a statement that the seizures took place in the South-South coastal water-ways along Ibaka-Bakasi beach highlighting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES). 

The operation led by diligent officers of the command, resulted in the confiscation of a pangolin scales and elephant tusks weighing 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second hand shoes with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Six Hundred And Eighty Million, Two Hundred And Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred Naira Only (₦680,290,400.00) which are highly sought-after in illegal international markets.

Speaking on the seizures, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu said the seizure of the pangolins scales and elephant tusks underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking as these heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organize crime and illicit financial flows. 

He noted that Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity. 

The Controller appreciated the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command, emphasizing how the additional resources greatly enhanced the commands ability to patrol and secure the south-south coatsal waterways effectively and combing the beaches effectively. 

He thus reiterated his commitment to provide officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the Nations natural resources/habitats. 

"The Eastern Marine Command under my watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage as this seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers in the area that their activities will not be tolerated and will face severe consequences for their illegal activities if caught. 

"It should be noted that Nigeria customs service is a government agency responsible for facilitating legitimate trade, enforcing customs laws and combating illicit activities, including wildlife trafficking. The Customs Area Controller has reinvigorated and strengthened the patrol teams along the waterways for a 24hours patrol and combing the beaches. This has yielded positive outcomes and leading to the significant seizure the command has just made."

While commending his officers for their dedication and professionalism in executing this operation, the Area Controller enjoined the general public to assist the command with more useful information on the trade of illicit wildlife.

 "The successful seizure of these wildlife products showcased the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies which the Customs Area Controller sought for with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies operating along the waterways of Ibaka-Bakasi beach in curbing the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of smuggling," he said.