The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone “A” Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, made the highest revenue ever in its anti-smuggling operations by generating N5.9 billion in 2017, despite the harsh economic environment.
This figure included the sum of N1.9 billion from duty payments and demand notices on general goods at seaports, airports and bordet stations in the South West of Nigeria. Most importers and customs agents often try to short- change the Federal Government through wrong classification of goods, transfer of value and other deliberate schemes to evade duty payment.
During the year under review, the unit made a total of 1046 seizures and 179 suspects arrested for smuggling parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, vegetable oil, Indian hemp, arms and fake pharmaceutical products.
Speaking on the report, the Controller of the FOU, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba attributed the highest seizures recorded in the history of the FOU to the Comptroller General Of the NCS, Hameed Ali (rtd) and the entire management team for recognising hard work.
He commended his officers and men for thwarting the antics of dare- devil smugglers and challenged them to be more diligent and professional in routing them in 2018.
Comptroller Mohammed warned smugglers and economic saboteurs to desist from illegality and invest in legitimate trade that will grow the economy.
He thanked the security agencies and the maritime press for their unalloyed support throughout the past year and called for greater collaboration and partnership with the Customs Service to collectively thwart the evils of smuggling in the country.