Ag. CGC Adewale Urges Importers, Agents to be patriotic in making honest declarations

.. As PTML Customs Seizes 20X20 Containers of expired tomato concentrate

ZAINAB JUNAID

Just as the Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML), made a historic milestone in the history of the command by successfully intercepting and detaining a staggering 20 containers filled with expired tomato concentrate, an unprecedented event since the inception of the command, Acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR has urged agents and importers at the Command to always act patriotically by making honest declarations. 

The Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MRF,  made the call on Friday, October 6, 2023 while inspecting seizures made by gallant Officers of the Command. 

He expressed disappointment in the rate at which agents and importers are violating trade rules, saying the audacious attempt to introduce such a large quantity of expired food products into the Nigerian market is heartless and inexcusable. 

"The audacity of the smugglers to attempt introducing this hazardous product into the Nigerian market is both shocking and disheartening. 

" But I want to assure you that our officers and personnel will always remain vigilant, diligently scrutinizing all import and export consignments passing through our seaports, airports, border stations, dry ports, and terminals nationwide." 

"Our primary objectives are to curb smuggling, safeguard national revenue, ensure the security of our nation, and promote legitimate trade and businesses."

"The expired tomato concentrates were concealed within 20 containers, each falsely declared as containing almond shells, all under the auspices of a company identified as Nikecristy Investment Limited. In each container, 80 drums were meticulously arranged, amounting to a total of 1,600 drums. The duty paid value of this illegal cargo is a staggering sum of one hundred and sixteen million, two hundred and eleven thousand, seven hundred and twenty-five naira, seventy-three kobo (#116,211,725.73).

"The container numbers involved in this illicit operation are as follows: ACLU 2790243, GCNU 1275582, GCNU 1303278, GCNU 1336137, GCNU 1361905, GCNU 1316824, GCNU 1323314, GCNU 1324727, GCNU 1326210, SEGU 3388813, ACLU 2800629, GCLU 13218553, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1340991, GCNU 1353290, GCNU 1302570, GCNU 1308140, SEGU 3333426, and SEGU 3338351. As of now, all these containers remain in our custody, officially recorded as seizures. We have apprehended one suspect, Mr. Okonkwo Oliver Izunna, who is currently under administrative bail but remains under investigation," the Comptroller General explained. 

This seizure, which was processed through three separate single good declarations (SGDs) forms, he said, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to maximally suppress smuggling and our determination to safeguard the lives of Nigerian citizens by intercepting dangerous imports such as these.

The actions taken by those involved in this unlawful activity contravene the provisions of sections 228(1) and (2), 55 (c and d), and 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. Additionally, it directly violates Schedule 4, item 14 of the Common External Tariff (CET) 2022-2026. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to send a stern warning to importers and their agents, urging them to steer clear of unlawful practices such as false declarations aimed at evading duties or smuggling prohibited goods into our country.

It is essential to reiterate that compliant automobile importers and their agents can now expect streamlined clearance processes, with consignments being cleared within three hours when importations adhere to our regulations, involve honest declarations, and prompt payment of customs duties.

"Full compliance brings numerous benefits, including building a reputation for integrity, saving time and money by avoiding demand notices and penalties, and staying out of legal troubles that could lead to imprisonment, loss of licenses, and blacklisting

" Note that the Officers' operations align perfectly with the goals I set for the Nigeria Customs Service since I assumed reigns of leadership," he said 

Customs FOU 'A' Intercepts twelve Trailer Loads of Foreign Parboiled Rice

...Arrests 14 suspects in connection with seizures worth ₦1.75bn DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment and spirit of patriotism, Officers of the Federal Operations Unit Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) made a commendable interception of approximately twelve trailer loads of foreign parboiled rice on the 6th of  October 2023.

The Command also apprehended fourteen suspects in connection with various seizures that worth a cumulative Duty Paid Value of One billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty- five Million, Eighty Thousand, Eight hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira (1,755,080,898).

Speaking at a media briefing held at the Command on Friday, October 6, 2023, to showcase the seizures made, Acting Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, disclosed that about 7, 029 50Kg bags of foreign parboiled rice were seized by the officers at various times and locations within the border corridors of the South-Western States.

Ag.CGC Adewale said the decisive actions took place inorder to discourage potential traders from engaging in smuggling activities and to also inflict financial losses on active smugglers.

Beyond the parboiled rice seizures, the Unit yielded significant results in September, with the interception of various goods and these includes- 35,100 liters of premium motor spirit (PMS); 1,100 liters of diesel; 1 40-foot container carrying 360 bales of used clothes; 1 40-foot container containing 150 cartons of ladies' handbags, 50 bales of nickers, and other falsely declared items;1 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; 25 units of vehicles (Tokunbo). 

According to him, investigations into some of these seizures are ongoing and the arrested fourteen suspects have been apprehended in connection with various offenses, including violating import/export guidelines, concealment, undervaluation, wrong classification, smuggling, and contravening policy directives.

On revenue generated last month, the Customs Chief disclosed that the Unit generated Seventy-two Million, Eight Hundred and Seven Thousand, Twenty-five Naira, Eleven Kobo (N72,807,025.11) in revenue through meticulous documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on consignments that were found to have paid lesser amounts than the appropriate customs duty.

Ag. CGC Adewale later enjoined importers and licensed agents to always make sincere declarations, adhere to existing import and export guidelines, and avoid the risk of losing their investments. "Compliance is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic choice that ensures the smooth and efficient flow of goods across our borders," he said.

The Ag. CGC further extended gratitude to all media for their role in disseminating Customs Service vital information to the general public, saying "I extend my gratitude for your attention and your role in disseminating this vital information. Together, as responsible stakeholders, we can safeguard our nation's economy and contribute to the welfare of our fellow citizens."

However, while on a tour with the Ag. CGC to intercept the seized containers at FOU warehouse today, it was discovered that a container with number MRKU 204776245G1 intercepted for contravening policy directives, was hidden at the extreme of the warehouse with the door sealed, preventing the Ag. CGC, management team and journalists from finding out what it conveyed. Curious about the development, Ag. CGC promised to unravel the misery behind the container.